By Fr. Adolf Washington
A disciple of the great philosopher Socrates once asked his master “Sir, why do you tell all who wish to become your disciple to look into this pond and tell you what he sees?” Socrates replied “That is very simple, my friend. I am ready to accept all those who tell me they see the fish swimming around in the pond. But those who see only their own image mirrored in the water are in love with their ego. I have no use for them”.
There is an old fable of a frog and two ducks. They were great friends. They shared the same pond. When summer set in, the pond dried up. They decided to migrate to another water place. The frog suggested that the ducks hold a stick between their bills while she would grip the stick with her mouth while they fly. They took off. A farmer looking above was amazed and shouted aloud “I wonder whose brilliant idea this is?” The frog opened her mouth saying “It is my idea” and she came crashing down!
Pride always goes before a downfall.
Jesus very often spoke about humility. Pointing to guests occupying the places of honour at a banquet, Jesus urged his disciples and followers not to be inflated with pride but to be humble always.
In a parable he said “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:7-11)
When we humble ourselves and remain thankful to God for the positions we hold, the achievements we make, the material wealth we possess, the fan-following or talents we have, God opens up for us channels of Grace that the world cannot give or take away from us. There can be no greater reward for humility than this.
Apostle James says “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10). Saint Peter says “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”(I Peter 5:5).
When we have an inflated EGO, we are actually (Edging God Out). God’s Grace and blessings cannot flow where Pride prevails.
Open up those channels of Grace and Blessings into your life from God by dwelling in humility.