I have never been one to lack confidence. I believe confidence can be both healthy and needed. You must be confident in your competence, or no one else will be. My willingness to believe in my ability has been a huge part of my life.
Until recently, I had few reasons to be humble other than knowing the biblical precept to “humble ourselves before the Lord.”
Then, a season of service presented itself, and I was “humbled by humiliation.” I am sure this was unintentional, although it occurred more than once. This humiliation led to hurt, anger, and disillusionment before it led me to humility.
Why? I believe it is because I had always seen myself as gifted and thought I could do whatever I wanted. I found that others do not always see us like we do. Although this concept was not new, it revealed some insecurities I had long buried.
You see, I discovered it did matter to me what others thought of me. Their thoughts carried enough weight to burden me long after I stepped aside.
I do not wish the power of being “humbled by humiliation” on anyone, but the likelihood of this happening to you is almost assured. When it does, I want you to know you are not alone; unfortunately, you will likely experience it repeatedly.
There will always be instances where others do not see us the way we see ourselves, and because of that, we must be prepared for the disappointment that comes from the feelings of rejection we may experience.
My experience paled in comparison to that of another who was “humbled by humiliation.” That person was Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ. Even though He was naturally humble, I am sure the humiliation He experienced brought that humility to a new level.
Being beaten, stripped naked, and nailed to a Cross while those around Him jeered and hurled insults at Him had to be one of the most humiliating experiences ever.
Yet Jesus humbly promised salvation to a man on the cross next to Him and forgiveness to everyone who stood by and watched as He died on that Cross.
His example of being “humbled by humiliation” has caused me to think about the times when I have felt devalued or hurt. As I do, I realize there is no comparison. This has allowed me to use my experiences to learn from all He has taught me by His.
I want to remind everyone that though Jesus died on that Cross, He did not stay there. His death only lasted three days.
The humiliation He suffered was required so we could have the same opportunity the man on the cross next to Him had: “to be taken with Him into His Kingdom.”
Praise God for this single act of being “humbled by humiliation” because it made a way for all of us to find salvation even if we are humiliated in the process!!
James 4:10.” Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
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