God uses all sorts of lessons in our life. One that seems to be dwelling in my mind is humility. I don’t think I’ve had trouble with this concept. I don’t make a habit of trying to impress people or make them think I am more important than I really am. As we learn in Proverbs 16:19 NKJV “Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Over my career in human services, being comfortable with my station enabled me to communicate equally well with both executives and entry level workers.
One of my life verses is Micah 6:8 NKJV “He has shown you O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” I absolutely love the image that brings to my mind. Going through life seeking justice, giving and receiving mercy, and walking with my heavenly Father, letting God be God.
Recently, I have discovered the reality of really being humiliated. The definition of humiliation is the abasement of pride, which creates mortification. Mortification is great embarrassment of shame. For me, this embarrassment came when I went on a quest for comfortable shoes to wear in my substitute teaching job.
I inherited large, wide feet from my mother, so I have never been able to enjoy the most stylish, fun shoes. Since my ankle surgery just after Thanksgiving, I have gone through a long recovery process. I spent time using a knee scooter to relieve the weight bearing pressure on that foot. Then, I walked in an orthopedic boot until I had the security and balance to put my old trusty athletic shoes back on. Over time, this one dependable pair of shoes wore out. I also have one pair of dressier flat shoes, but on days when my ankle swells, I can’t wear that pair with the stretchy brace that helps provide support.
So, while the kids in our neighborhood were searching for the best-looking shoes to start their school year, looks became secondary to me. I just needed to find something that fit my misshapen, still vulnerable foot. So, I walked over to the men’s section of the shoe department and found the only pair that didn’t look like orthopedic shoes. Mortifying?Embarrassing? Humiliating?
God is teaching me again.
In order for our heavenly Father to send His son to redeem us from our sins, that Son had to endure humiliation. As Paul says in his letter to the Philippians, ” And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8, NKJV
My humiliation is nothing compared to the suffering the Son of God endured. He knew that He must be obedient, because without death, there could be no resurrection. The entire destination of His time on earth was His death and Resurrection. Hallelujah. Praise God for His humiliation.
This is just me, facing reality. Walking humbly means that I am unconcerned with what others think of my shoes. I am not trying to impress anyone with my sense of style. I am seeking His mercy as I walk humbly with my God.
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