Bible Reading Blog
“Always Be Humble”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Luke 7
“A woman of the city, who was a sinner, stood behind Jesus. She was weeping and began washing his feet with her tears and her hair, kissing them repeatedly. The Pharisee who invited Jesus thought to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known what sort of woman this is who is touching him… she is a sinner!”” (Luke 7.37-39, paraphrased)
The Pharisee was right about one thing: this woman was a sinner (Luke 7.47). But his comment highlights a deception that religious people “have it together.” The great paradox of faith is that those who don’t “have it together” but are humbled by their failings, will become the greatest (Luke 9.48). Ironically, those who should be the humblest are often the most judgmental towards others.
Having been a Christian for nearly 20 years, I understand the struggle. It is hard to read scripture and still see fault in my life. No one likes to feel vulnerable and have to admit imperfections. That makes us appear shaky in our faith and can lead to feelings of hopeless because of our failings. But that is not a sign of weak faith; it is a testament to the need and power of Jesus (2 Corinthians 12.9-10).
The forgiveness offered from Jesus prompts us to greater humility. This manifests in many ways, but it always demonstrated in relationships with others, especially those we deem unworthy. Much like this Pharisee, we sometimes mask our insecurities with comparison thinking (see also Luke 18.11-12). We must guard against this attitude because it will eventually manifest as unsympathetic ambivalence towards the needs of others. Although we may appear righteous, it is easy to identify the fruit of this attitude in our lives: Do I look at others with compassion or do disregard those who don’t appear to "have it together"?
Ultimately, comparison thinking can lead to self-deception regarding our condition before God. Paul regularly warned believers not to think more of themselves (Romans 12.3) and to serve one another in humility (Philippians 2.3). Your sins may not be evident to others, but they exist. A religious front will not change your condition. We all need the forgiveness of sins Jesus offers (Ephesians 1.7-8; 1 John 2.1-2). Some are forgiven much, others little (Luke 7.47); but the freedom from sin is the same for all.
Paul reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory” (Romans 3.23), but not all remember the life-changing power of encountering Jesus. The challenge of faith is maintaining humility as we grow. We need not always be so desperate, but we must always be humble (James 4.6-7; 1 Peter 5.5-6).
“…by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think but to think with sober judgment… Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” (Romans 12.3, 16)
