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"Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who

humble themselves will be exalted." And so, Jesus states a law

of life. Those who broadcast their amazingness will be humbled,

since God dislikes--scorns that, as much as people do. For to

trumpet our success, wealth, brilliance, giftedness or popularity

is to get distracted from the purpose for which we were created

into pointless, worthless activity. Those who love power, who are

sure they know best, and who must be the best, will eventually be

humbled by God and life. For their focus has shifted from loving

God, doing good work, and being a blessing to their family, friends,

and the world towards impressing others, being enviable, perhaps

famous. These things are houses built on sand, which will crumble

when hammered by the waves of old age, infirmity or adversity.

God resists the proud, Scripture tells us--those who strive

for the admiration, attention and power which is His alone

but He helps the humble. So how do we resist pride? We

slow down, so that we notice and repent when sheer pride

sparks our allergies to people, our enmities, our determination

to have our own way, or our grandiose pride-driven goals, dreams and ambitions.

Once we stop chasing limelight or showing off, a great quietness

steals over our lives. We no longer need the drug of continual

achievement, or to share memories or images of glittering travel,

parties, prizes or friends. We just enjoy them quietly. My life

is for itself, and not for a spectacle, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote.

And, as Jesus advises, we don’t sharp-elbow ourselves to

the most prominent place with the shiniest people, but are

content to hang out with ordinary people, where we may

learn new things, and develop our character, kindness and

empathy, if not our network. And then, as Jesus said, we will

inevitably, eventually, be summoned higher to where, perhaps,

the conversation is more heady and sparkling, or perhaps

upwards to sit with those of a gentle, humble and radiant heart.

So how do we cultivate humility? J I Packer suggests: “Consider

everything you know about yourself. If other people knew it,

would they esteem you? They would all think, ‘What a rascal!’

So, why are you esteeming yourself better than anyone else?”

One day, every knee will bow before the gentle lamb

who was slain, now seated on the throne. We will all be silent

before him. Let us live gently then, our eyes on Christ,

continually asking for his power, his Spirit, and his direction,

moving, dancing, in the direction that we sense him move.

My memoir: Rosaries, Reading, Secrets: A Catholic Childhood in India UK USA

Blog: anitamathias.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitamathiaswriter/
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My book of essays: Wandering Between Two Worlds (US) and UK