IT’S SO HARD TO BE HUMBLE!

Someone once observed that, in Luke’s gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal. . .one of the reasons he’s my kind of Savior. Today is no different. Jesus is on his way to a Sabbath meal at the house of one of the Pharisees. When he arrives, he notices how the guests are choosing the places of honor. This is no small detail, for in first century Palestine, where one eats, with whom one eats and where one sits are all indicators of one’s social status. No wonder folks are jostling for first place!

A recent experience with my dog illustrates how hard it is to be humble. My mother is visiting with me for a few weeks. My dog, Faith, who usually rides in the front passenger seat, has been delegated to the back seat whenever my mother is in the car. Well, my mother and I went to the supermarket on Friday evening, while Faith waited in the car. When we got back to the car, Faith was sitting in the front passenger seat. While I placed the groceries in the trunk of the car, I told my mother to tell Faith to go in the back seat so my mother could sit. My mother did so; Faith first refused to budge. After another try, Faith growled at my mother before she reluctantly proceeded to the back. I had to use the experience to remind my dog that – as much as I love her – she could not sit in the front seat when my mother is present!

Just as I had to seize that moment to teach my dog, Jesus uses this moment to teach those who were present. He tells the guests that, when they are invited to a meal, do not choose the places of honor. Instead, choose the lowest place, and then they will be honored. He tells the host that, when he gives a luncheon or a dinner, not to invite those who are able to repay him. Instead, invite those who cannot repay him – the poor, the lame, the blind and the crippled. Then he will be blessed.

Now Jesus isn’t simply giving a lesson on avoiding embarrassment or false humility – sit in the back and the host will invite us to the front – although persons hoping and praying to sit in the front is not usually an issue in the Episcopal Church! No, Jesus is much more concerned with whether we are so concerned about seeking honor and praise from human beings that we leave God out of the picture. Seeking praise from others generally leaves us at their mercy. It also can lead us away from the will of God – the best – for our lives.

A few days ago, I read an article by Presbyterian pastor and professor, N. Graham Standish, entitled, “Whatever Happened to Humility?” in which he recalls the life-changing impact that reading a biography of Mahatma Gandhi had on his life. Mahatma Gandhi, often referred to as the father of his country, was a major figure in India’s movement towards independence. Standish notes that, although Gandhi, who had considered becoming a Christian at one point, was refused entrance to a church in South Africa because of his brown skin, he remained determined to live his life based on the Jesus he came to know through the Bible.

Gandhi’s humble leadership was apparent in many different ways. For instance, instead of allowing the servants to serve tea to his fellow independence leaders during their strategy meetings, Gandhi took the tea set and served them. This act was unheard of in India’s rigid caste system. Gandhi also chose not to wear Western clothing. Instead, he wore a sarong, traditional Indian attire, made from homespun cotton. In doing so, he defied the law that only British-made textiles could be made and sold in India. In doing so, he also included women in the movement towards independence – a radical action – because societal norms were such that respectable women would not be involved in such things.

At one point, the independence movement seemed to be stalling. People were calling on Gandhi to do something – anything – to get the movement back on track. Even though he was open to much criticism, Gandhi did something radical. He spent eight months in prayer – seeking God’s will. Then, one day, he received God’s answer. He invited his followers to a meal and worship, and then told them to follow him. He did not tell them their destination. Day after day, they walked. They were joined by thousands of other people. After 250 miles, they ended up at the sea – surrounded by British soldiers. Gandhi walked to the edge of the sea, where a chunk of salt had been formed by the evaporation of the sea water. He took it up, walked over to a British soldier, and said, “I have manufactured salt. You must arrest me!” You see, the British has made it illegal for Indians to manufacture salt – only the British could. But, if they arrested Gandhi, it would show the oppressiveness of their law, and if they didn’t, they would give implicit permission to the Indians to manufacture salt. They arrested Gandhi and thousands of others – but millions of Indians began pouring seawater into basins and letting it evaporate on their rooftops – a symbol of Indian freedom.

Gandhi’s willingness to seek God’s will in the midst of intense pressure from people is one of the characteristics of humility. Like Gandhi, Jesus chose not to be at the mercy of others, and instead looked to God for honor. In the process, he redefined the standards we use to seek honor and praise. He invites us to do the same. If we do, then those who are on the outside will be included – because their worth will not be determined by whom they know, but by whose they are – children of the living God.