Ch. 487 - Leaving the Safe Zone

I think that humility should be wanted, but not sought. If one is humble, something they lack may be pride or arrogance. They could be considered to be on a lower level than most others. But you know, we are such a prideful people. It is our nature to want to be on a higher level than others. Some of the reasoning behind that is the fact that we have a survival instinct. If you are on a higher level, we are [most likely] wealthy, powerful, and influential. The more you are of at least one of these things, the better chance you have of not being stepped on or taken out.

You're safe.

Unfortunately, pride or arrogance usually border these higher levels, which could be considered "safe zones". So it can be challenging to want to be humble.

Who naturally wants to be low?
Who wants to serve others?
Who wants to be the least and last?
Who wants to help without the need for recognition or acknowledgment?

We have to be willing to put others before ourselves - which, again, goes against our survival instincts. But we can't survive on our own, anyway; we truly need to rely on God. I think humility is, however, a key factor of being a servant of Christ. Humility keeps us on our toes. I think it comes to us without our realizing it. And of course, being humbled by God can be a difficult experience, but God knows what's best for us and He wants to help us in anything and everything. If that means humbling us to put us in our rightful places, then so be it. We aren't likely to do that ourselves, so we need all the help we can get. Once people understand that they can't put their own interests and selves before God and others, I think life will become much easier for others. When we're not so concerned with the way things "need to" or "should" go so that we can get ahead, things seem to just fall in place. Being humble and serving others in a Christlike manner doesn't mean that we're not going to have challenges, of course. Living a worshipful, Christ-centered life is no cakewalk. However, it does have its benefits and rewards. But first you need to step out of your safe zone. Recognize that you are not perfect. And understand that the world does not revolve around you.


' "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." '
[Luke 18:10-14]