Goodness & Humility
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
In a tale of compassion and discernment, a man encountered a wounded soldier and inquired if a certain stranger was a good person. The soldier replied, "I don't know." Moved by the soldier's honesty, the man took him in and cared for him until he was healed. Once recovered, the soldier asked the man if he believed the soldier himself was a good person. Without hesitation, the man affirmed, "Yes." Puzzled by the certainty of the response, the soldier asked why. The man, with a gentle smile, explained, "Only a good person would admit they do not know."
As Christians, we often reflect on whether we are truly good people. This isn't about doubting the goodness of others. In fact, it's the goodness I see in others that sometimes makes me question my own goodness. Some people have mentioned that I come across as if I think I'm better than others. While this isn't a major concern for me, since I have a circle of friends who keep me grounded and provide honest feedback, it does raise an important question. Do our actions and demeanor give the impression that we think we are superior to others? Should this even be a concern to us? The answer lies in our humility towards others.
Following the example of Jesus Christ perfectly balances goodness and humility. Today's verses highlight both the strength of Christ, who took on heavy burdens, and His heart, which is humble and gentle. Our faith is rooted in strong convictions, as Paul reminds us: “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe” (Hebrews 4:14). However, if we are to live to the example of Jesus Christ, we are to also have a high degree of humility. Jesus exemplified this humility throughout His life. Whether interacting with the Samaritan woman at the well or calling the tax collector Matthew to discipleship, Jesus never elevated Himself above others. Instead, He met people where they were and lifted them to where He was. As followers of Christ, our goal is to trust in Him and live as He would, motivated by His goodness and mercy to continually strive for better.
In our humility, we acknowledge that we are no better than the worst of sinners. This humility allows us to inspire others to rise up, just as we have been lifted. Like the story of the solider, we may be unsure of our own goodness, knowing we are not Jesus Christ, but we strive to be His living example, thereby demonstrating His goodness through our lives. There is a reason Paul speaks glowingly of Him instructing us to keep our eyes Him, “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) Let us do just that with the hope that our examples mirror Christ, who is the perfecter of our faith. How can you balance having strong convictions in your faith with maintaining a humble heart? What ways can I demonstrate humility in my daily interactions, following the example of Jesus? What steps can I take to ensure that your life reflects the goodness and mercy of Christ? My prayer is that God instills goodness and humility in our hearts, so that these qualities are evident to everyone. Amen.