Humility

Feb 9 2024 - Eric Buresh

In a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and whispering streams, there lived an old man named Christian. Christian was known not for his wealth or stature but for his gentleness and sage wisdom. His heart radiated a rare warmth that touched the lives of all who crossed his path. 

One day, a curious young man named Theo sought Christian's counsel. Intrigued by the stories of Christian's wisdom, Theo approached the elder's small dwelling. Christian welcomed him with a gentle smile and invited him to sit by the crackling fireplace. 

Theo had heard much about the value of humility but was not convinced that viewing others as more valuable than yourself was really a wise way to live. As they sat in the cozy room, Christian began to share a story that unfolded like the pages of an ancient manuscript. It was a tale of an old tree that stood tall in the heart of the village square. 

“In this village, my dear Theo, this tree embodies the essence of humility," Christian began. "God drove its roots deep into the soil, anchoring it to the very core of the earth. He provided sun and water to make it grow to its current grandeur. Yet, this old tree does not boast of its strength or height, or even recognize them as unique. Instead, the tree simply does as God designed -- it offers shade and shelter to all who seek refuge beneath its branches." 

Christian continued his tale, describing how the tree bore delicious fruit that was not for itself – its fruit was for the benefit of others. The tree freely gives its energy and strength, with branches bowed low, laden with the weight of succulent fruit that provides nourishment to the hungry and sustenance to the weary. 

"Just like this tree," Christian mused, "true humility is not found in grand gestures or self-effacing words. It is not found in giving credit to others while faintly passing off praise. Humility is found in a quiet strength that serves others selflessly, without seeking any recognition or praise. It is found in a person who knows that they are only doing what God prepared them to do for others." 

Theo listened intently, absorbing the wisdom embedded in Christian's tale. As the story unfolded, he realized that humility was not for the weak. In fact, it required enduring strength and sharp knowledge of purpose, both coming from the One who drives our roots deep into fertile spiritual soil, anchoring us securely to Him. 

Christian concluded the story with another example, “Theo, the greatest example of humility ever known also involved a tree.” Reading from an ancient manuscript in Philippians 2:3-8, the old man poignantly concluded: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” 

“Humility, my young friend, is demonstrated in sacrificial service motivated by the knowledge that your Creator made you to serve others and gives you everything you need to do so. And like the old tree that is the pride of our village, those who are humble will be lifted high in esteem and honor. That is the Creator’s promise.” Theo left Christian’s dwelling with a newfound understanding. Inspired by Christian's wisdom, Theo aspired to simply do as God designed him – to love and serve others knowing the Creator made him perfectly suited for the task.