by Jenny Harrison
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV84)
Poised, professional, and polished was the best description of our keynote speaker at one of the counseling conferences I attended several years ago. The string of letters that followed her name, professional publications, and knowledge in her field of expertise were impressive.
After one of her lectures, participants swarmed around this educated lady to have her autograph a copy of her latest book for them.
Later in the day, when conference participants were scurrying to get to their next session, I heard someone from the crowd say loudly “Ma’am, please stop!” I scanned the room to detect where the verbal directive was coming from. What I witnessed next is a moment I shall never forget.
Our distinguished speaker spotted a large wet area on the floor near one of the vender booths. She had seen a participant unknowingly walk toward the saturated area.
She pointed to the spill and said to the lady, “I did not want you to step into this puddle, fall, and hurt yourself.” She then reached for paper towels, got on her hands and knees on a dirty concrete floor with a silk skirt on, and proceeded to clean the spill.
As we observed humility in action, I told a colleague standing next to me, “More than any string of credentials or acknowledgement from man, I want to possess the attitude and character demonstrated by this kind-hearted individual.”
It is so easy to get caught up in the trappings of the world that I sometimes forget my real purpose on this earth. Precious Lord, please keep me grounded and focused. Help me remember that foremost, I am meant to serve others.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:3-5 (NIV84)
Copyright © 2012 Jenny Harrison, Breath of Life Women’s Ministries. Bible scripture taken from NIV84.
