The anonymous writer of the book “Embracing Obscurity” said this: “We’re drunk all right. We’re intoxicated with a desire to be known, recognized, appreciated, and respected. We crave to be a “somebody” and do notable things, to achieve our dreams and gain the admiration of others. To be something-anything-other than nothing.“
I think that desire to be known, recognized, appreciated, and respected resonates with most of us. Perhaps, that’s why it’s easier in conversations to talk about ourselves, rather than ask questions of others. There’s an innate desire to be a somebody. Most of us don't enjoy being a nobody.
How can I push down this strong welling up in my soul to be a somebody? For me, I needed to pray for a different response and act accordingly. Second, I needed to turn back to the Gospels and look at Jesus’ life. Jesus is the epitome of humility. There was nothing that rose up in him to say, “Wait a minute, I need to be heard... I'm important." He had little concern over his reputation. Sure, he held his own with the “important” people of his day. Even though he was surrounded by so many people, (some who admired him and others that abhorred him) He didn’t base his worth on what people thought of him.
While Christ was always humble and lived a life of a servant, his followers always tended to blow it. This is true today as well. His followers often were arrogant, focused on self, full of pride. This is true today as well. So, how do we stop that desperate need to be a somebody?
Jesus is our example. In my own real struggle, I found such encouragement as I read this portion of scripture over and over, Philippians 2:5-11, in The Message:
“Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death- and the worst kind of death at that- a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth- even those long ago dead and buried- will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God.”
I’m in awe of Christ’s selfless humility. Is it possible to allow His disposition to overtake mine and yours? Yes, it is. The more I get my mind off myself and redirected to Christ, I come to appreciate my true place in this world.
Every day, whether if it’s in your families, where you work, or with friends, we have an opportunity to humble ourselves. We’ve got a God who absolutely adores each one of us! God sent Jesus into this world so we could find our lasting worth and significance in Him.
“It is one thing to follow God’s way of service if you are regarded as a hero, but quite another thing if the road marked out for you by God requires becoming a doormat under other peoples’ feet. God’s purpose may be to teach you to say, “I know how to be abased” (like Paul). Are you ready to be less than a drop in the bucket? To be so totally insignificant that no one remembers you even if they think of those you served. Are you willing to give and be poured out until you are all used up and exhausted-not seeking to be ministered to, but to minister?” Oswald Chambers, (YMCA leader who was commissioned by the YMCA to go to Zeitoun, Egypt where he ministered to troops from Australia and New Zealand during WWI)
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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