Matthew 23:12 "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Growing up the youngest with three brothers, I have a strong competitive edge. I want to win and be successful at everything I try. Most people do. So when LeBron James announced a few days ago that he was going from Cleveland to the Miami Heat, my first reaction was, "Who can blame him?" He is taking less money, moving away from home, sharing the spotlight, all in hopes of winning a championship. Come on Cleveland fans, give the guy a break! He is just following his heart and making decisions that he thinks are best for his future goals.
Then I was reminded of Jesus.
I started thinking about the comparison of King LeBron to King Jesus. Jesus, the King of Kings, ultimate Champion, humbled himself and entered this earth as a servant. Perhaps his philosophy was just a little different than that of LeBron James, though. His purpose was to serve, not to win. He didn't make decisions in life based on short term goals of winning. In everything Jesus did, He knew the ultimate goal was for him to go to the cross, endure shame and pain, for you and me. By giving the ultimate sacrifice He did win...conquering sin and death.
Jesus could have easily responded to those tormenting Him, "Don't you know who I am?" He could have found another way to pay for our sins. But no. Philippians 2:8 says "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross."
Mark 10:43-45 "...whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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."
The verse for the week says, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." I Peter 5:6 says "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,that he may lift you up in due time." James 4:10 says "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."
These verses are commonly talked about between my husband Frank and I. You see, I live with perhaps the most humble person I've ever met. He has amazing talent. He is a Godly husband and father. He is an entrepreneur, a natural leader, a brilliant teacher, preacher, and writer. He's a visionary. He has unbelievable insight into the Word that teaches me daily. He's up on all the political stuff and can carry on an intelligent conversation on just about any subject. (Now, lest you think I am delusional and have a perfect husband, let me assure you that I know I do not. Among other things, he doesn't take the trash out nearly enough, he's not so good at home improvement projects, and he definitely cannot sing. Perfect for me, maybe, but definitely not perfect.)
Yet, with all these talents that he does have, you would never know it by talking with him. He never toots his own horn. He doesn't sing his own praises. And that means he's often overlooked and under-acknowledged for what he has to offer. As his wife, I hate this, and it frustrates me. I tell him, "You need to do this...you need to do that. Why don't they see that in you?" Then in true Frank fashion, he reminds me of these verses on humility. He just keeps plugging away at life, waiting on God to open the right doors, waiting on God to exalt him. He knows that is all that matters. "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." I have a lot to learn from Frank. LeBron could probably learn a lot, too.
So whether LeBron did the right thing or not, perhaps only time can tell. But for me, it's important to think with Biblical perspective about the decisions I am making. Am I making decisions so I can be first? So I can win? Am I acting in humility? Am I modeling humility to my children? Am I making decisions based on a short-term goal, or am I making decisions based on eternal significance? Teach me, Lord, to live my life so that I have more of you and less of me.
---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com