Tag Archives: Humility

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on September 29, 2015
Tags: , Humility,   

Humility — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

image  September 29, 2015

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:3-5

“Let me give you 3 examples, and consider which is the best display of humility:

Example 1: A teenage girl walks to school with her head down and a chip on her shoulder. She often utters to herself – “I’m fat, stupid, and ugly.”

Example 2: A man talks to his friends about his terrible job – he doesn’t brag about his job because he hates his job, but he dominates the conversation with talks of how terrible his job is.

Example 3: A woman talks with her friends. She interjects briefly, but for the most part she listens to what her friends have to say.

The real example of humility is of course example number 3. The other two are not really displaying humility. Example number 1 is an example of ‘low self esteem.’ Low self esteem is not the same as the quality of humility! Example number 2 is really displaying pride! It’s difficult to see because he’s not saying something positive about himself, but by dominating the conversation with facts about himself he says, “My life is very interesting! Everybody look at me!” This is not humility – it’s pride. The third example displays a mature soul who does not draw attention to herself. She is not consumed with thoughts about herself but shows interest in other people. Applying this to the Christian life – Christian humility is shown when a believer dwells primarily on God and God’s glory and not his or her own self-image.

CS Lewis put it like this: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less”.” (HePrayed website — True and False Humility)

Humility is a topic that comes up a lot for Christians. We hear from scripture that we are to be humble, while others will add onto this teaching that we also “should not be door mats for others”. In other words, we are to be careful that others do not abuse and use our kindness for their own benefit. My answer to the dilemma is this: we should pray for the wisdom of Solomon, the generous heart of the widow from the story of the Widow’s Mite, and the closeness of a relationship with Jesus as demonstrated by Mary and Martha.

You see, we all need to approach each situation that presents itself to us with wise discernment. It is one thing to ask “What Would Jesus Do?”, and it is another to ask “What Wouldn’t Jesus Do?” Each situation requires a response, and doing nothing is a response. You see, sometimes Jesus acted, sometimes Jesus spoke, sometimes Jesus sat in silence.

The Widow from the story of the Widow’s Mite gave “all that she had”. She held nothing back in her generous response. We should have such a heart of generosity when we are called to respond. Again, discernment is the answer in the level of generosity.

Finally, we should seek a relationship with Jesus modeled on Mary and Martha. They respond one time with active hands, and another with listening ears. Sometimes they asked Jesus very, very difficult questions, and other times they simply followed, and gave him their total attention.

All of these responses require a level of humility where we demonstrate a mature soul that seeks to serve the “others” in our lives. We are not called to be door mats — we are called to have humble hearts, and active hands.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on September 22, 2015
Tags: , , Humility   

Capable People — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

imageSeptember 22, 2015

“A capable wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant,
she brings her food from far away.
She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and tasks for her servant-girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
and makes her arms strong.”
Proverbs 31:10-17

“We need more such voices, and I’d suggest Proverbs 31 – as complex as it certainly is – might be one of them. Think about it: this Sunday countless girls will be sitting in church listening to this passage. How many will hear it interpreted not as one more ideal they can’t live up to but instead as a powerful voice that invites them to imagine that they have worth in and of themselves, that they can do anything they set their minds to, and that their value rests in their character and accomplishments, not in the rosy glow of their skin. That’s a sermon I hope my daughter hears. And, for that matter, my son as well.” David Lose, What the Bible Says – And Doesn’t Say – About Women (Posted: 09/22/2012)

I have often used this text when preaching a funeral sermon for a woman who has served as a faithful wife, mother, and other appropriate titles if they are warranted. It is a powerful statement for any woman who has served her family in so many roles — many in the expected roles, and many in unexpected roles. It is interesting that it begins with the statement “Who can find a capable wife?”, and then goes on to list her accomplishments as if there were such a person standing right in front of the writer — or someone the writer has in mind. I personally do not think it is that hard to find a capable wife — or a capable husband in this world. I believe it is more important not to put socially or culturally determined roles on anyone — and allow all people to serve their families, their communities, and their churches in all of the roles they feel called.

Pastor Dave