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Back in the 80’s Mac Davis sang, “Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.” God deliver the family, the friends, the brethren and the congregation from those who think they are “perfect in every way.”
Romans 12 is an awesome chapter. Paul challenges Christians (us) to be a “living sacrifice” (verse 1) and not to be “conformed to this world” (verse 2). The remainder of the chapter gives practical instruction on how to do it. What is the first thing Paul says? “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (verse 3). Interesting!
Davis sang, “I can’t wait to look in the mirror cause I get better looking each day.” What do we see when we look in the mirror? Do we see someone superior to others or do we see a sinner who has been saved by the grace of God? With all of his attainments, Paul saw himself as the latter. He wrote, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). Again, what do we see when you look in the mirror? Do we see someone who has “arrived” spiritually? Paul did not see himself that way. He wrote, “Not that I have already attainted, or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12). Have we “arrived” or are we still striving, growing and struggling? We need to act like it!
Those who are super-critical of the lives of others are fascinating. Pathetic, but fascinating! From Mount Superiority they thunder their “appraisals” of the lives and efforts of those in the valley far below them! They have arrived! They make no mistakes! They are serving God with completeness and excellence! “Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way… “Hogwash!
I am not saying you are like that! I am not saying that we are like that! I am saying that we never want to go there! Help others improve their lives via correction and fellowship. Do not discourage others via condemnation and isolation. Taste your words! Check your actions! What we might intend in our comments and behavior could be perceived as condescending. Conversely, resist the temptation not to speak or act when something needs to be said or done. Sacrifice comfort for concern. “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:5,6).
The Master told the story of two men who went to the temple to pray (Luke 18:10ff). One was arrogant and self-righteous while the other was humble and submissive. Which had God’s approval? The Master tells us! Which had the better approach to others? You tell me! “Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.”
Dwight Fuqua
Findlay church of Christ
Sparta, TN