But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:12
I have two significant figures in my life that have greatly impacted my life. Because of friends who read this blog, I plan to be vague to protect identity.
Between these two guys, I don’t know if I could count the number of conversations over the years, beginning in middle school, when they would fill my cup with encouragement. I was told how I was doing a good job and being successful in various efforts. I was reminded that God had a plan for my life. I was gently reminded and nudged in the right direction when my attitude or actions were wrong. They were mentors and big brother figures for me, for sure.
Over the years these two guys have remained in my life. From time to time I see them and my response toward one is excitement and joy. To the other there is hesitation and dread.
One has taken a turn toward some theology that honestly, I don’t get nor agree with. He’s the one I can’t wait to see. The other, definitely has a theology and lifestyle that is one I admire and would even embrace. He’s the one I dread seeing.
I hate to let you down, but my embrace of one and dread of the other has nothing to do with their belief system. It has everything to do with their humility.
Hypothetically let’s call one “John” and the other “Joe.”
“Joe” is a great man that loves God and lives for him. ”Joe” constantly reminds me of his journey to where he is. He reminds me of how he was persecuted, and everyone thought of him as an outcast. He reminds me of how far he has come and how far I have to go. He reminds me that the people I work and worship with have a long way to go and that they are simply missing out because they have not embraced life like he has.
“John” is a great man that loves God and lives for him, as well. on the other hand has bought into a belief system that baffles his friends for many years. “John” encourages people to seek truth. He spends many hours with people who are dying just to encourage them. He has spent many hours with addicts and those struggling with depression or problems with their kids. He treats me, or anyone for that matter, as though they were the most important person in the room.
I have truly been influenced and encouraged by both of these men for many years. The difference now is one chose to embrace humility, while the other chooses to embrace his position. It’s easy for any of us to do. We all want to live confidently in our convictions. But confidence and arrogance are divided by a thin line of and direction of focus. Confidence is when focus is placed on what God has accomplished. Arrogance is when focus is pointed toward self-accomplishment.
I still love and respect both of these men. For what they have given me in my life, they are both worthy of honor. I will always choose to give it to them both. The difference is I still find myself influenced by one and want to follow his example.
The lesson for us all is that humility will always come before influence.
- Who are the people in your life that you knowingly or unknowingly influence?
- How can you influence them for the long-term?
- Are you pointing to self or God accomplishments?
