DON’T BE A SMARTY PANTS! (A lesson in humility)
Have you ever been afraid to ask a question in case it made you seem dumb? What if everyone else in the room knew the answer but you? There is a saying that goes “it is better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” There are certainly instances when it is important to know when to hold your tongue, but too often we avoid speaking up because we are afraid of what others might think of us. While this seems innocent enough, this is really a form of pride – and one that most of us struggle with.
Some of the most inspiring and humble people I know are the ones who are not afraid to say “I don’t understand”. Do not be afraid to ask questions! You may even find that the questions you ask are the same ones everyone else wanted answered, but were afraid to say out loud. In that way, you are doing a service to not only yourself, but everyone else as well.
Having something go over your head can ruin an experience. I know that when it has happened to me, I have spent most of the time thinking about how to appear as though I know everything instead of focusing on actually learning. Talk about self-destructive behaviour! Every person – no matter where in his or her spiritual journey – has a great deal to learn. To pretend that we are perfect is, in a lot of ways, lying to yourself and everyone around you!
Not being wrapped-up in what others think about us like this is a small way to model the kind of humility we see in Jesus. He models this kind of humility in everything he does! Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. We as Christians are called to humble ourselves and pray and seek the face of God, leaving behind the things we do that displease God (2 Chronicles 7:14). So take heart! Find joy in asking questions that will bring you closer to the truth and to God.
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to be prideful?
What does humility look like?
Can each of you name someone you know that shows great
humility? How?
Where in the Bible are there examples of people who were truly
humble?
This Week’s Challenge:
• Parents, find ways to show your kids that you can learn from them just as they learn from you. Kids, find ways to show your parents you are humble enough to listen to what they have to say.
• Pray as a family that you can be authentic with one another and not be afraid to admit when you don’t know or understand something. Pray that this openness would bring you closer to one another and closer to God.
• Find something you can do as a family to serve others humbly – and commit to actually doing it! (Make up MCC school kits, work at the food bank, visit the Long-Term Care Centre next door, etc.)
Things To Check Out:
John 13:1-15 (Jesus washing the disciples’ feet)
www.thefoodbank.ca (Waterloo Region Food Bank)