Live In Humility

 

Millions of people in the United States look forward to September because of the beginning of the football season. An interesting footnote to the start of this year’s season is that the Pro Football Hall of Fame was founded sixty years ago, September 7, 1963, in Canton, Ohio. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor some of the National Football League’s outstanding players of the past. But recently, football players of the present have taken to honoring themselves, especially after scoring touchdowns. Some have developed elaborate touchdown celebrations in the end zone with dances, back flips, and even leaping into the stands. Some of these celebrations have become so bizarre and excessive that the NFL has adopted rules and penalties for “going too far.” These celebrating players may have problems with humility; Ya think? Their job is to score touchdowns. Are these celebrations necessary? Do these players feel their performance is not sufficiently honored or applauded? Why do they need to show off? Why do winning racecar drivers have to do burnouts? Frankly, I don’t know. I do know, however, that most of us appreciate being recognized for the work we do. We are grateful when someone acknowledges something good, we did. So, don’t feel bad if there is a time you feel overlooked, or snubbed, when your good deed goes unnoticed. Truth is, your kindness probably is not unnoticed, and further, your kindness is certainly noticed by the One whose attention really counts: GOD! Some day your name will be called, and you’ll be inducted into God’s “Hall of Fame.”

[Psalm 118:24] "This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Is that your approach to each day? Do you rejoice in whatever the day brings, or do you obsess over matters that really aren't important in the big picture? Do you allow the minutia of your life and a focus upon tomorrow to ruin the joy each day should bring? A fussy traveler was having trouble placing her belongings in the railroad coach. She put bundles first on the seat, then on the floor. She opened and closed windows, adjusted shades and fidgeted like a nervous hen. When her husband finally protested, she said, "I want to get everything fixed just right so I can enjoy the scenery in comfort." He shook his head and said, "Honey, we're not going very far, and by the time you get everything fixed the way you want it, the scenery will all be over." Many people go through life trying to get everything fixed "just right" so they can enjoy "the scenery in comfort." The sad reality is that life passes many folks by while they are fumbling around. Pity the person who is too busy getting ready for his earthly future and never sees the beauty and wonder of today. A senior citizen wrote down some powerful words along this same theme. Consider: “First, I was dying to reach my teens. And then, I was dying to get my license to drive. Then, I was dying to finish high school and start college. Then, I was dying to finish college and start working. Then, I was dying to marry and have children. Then, I was dying for my children to grow up and move out on their own. Then, I was dying to retire. Now I am dying... and suddenly I realized... I forgot to live.”

There is nothing wrong with planning for the future, though we are forbidden from worrying about it (Matthew 6:25-34). But, if our focus is always on tomorrow or next year or the next stage in life, we'll likely miss out on the beauty God has placed in today! Think about it and live now, for the Lord, rejoicing in His will and walking in the good works He has prepared for us today (Ephesians 2:10). It's good to long for heaven, but while we are in the flesh, let us focus on today (Philippians 1:21-26). “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less” – C.S. Lewis.