Humility in Action
Pastor Dave Monreal, Lead Pastor
Sir Edmund Hillary was a famous climber who was the first climber ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. He reached the South Pole in 1958 as well as the North Pole making him the first person to accomplish all three feats. He was also New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India and Bangladesh from 1985 to 1988 and in 1995 received the Order of the Gartner from the British government. He also established “The Himalayan Trust” which “built hospitals, airfields and schools.” 1
Dickson tells a fascinating story in his book on humility. He writes, “On one of his many trips to the Himalayas he was spotted by a group of tourist climbers. They begged him for a photo with the great man, Hillary obliged. They handed him an ice pick so he would look the part and set up for the photograph. Just then another climber passed the group and, not recognizing the man at the center, strode up to Hillary saying, ‘Excuse me, that’s not how you hold and ice pick. Let me show you.’ Everyone stood around in amazed silence as Hillary thanked the man, let him adjust the pick, and happily went on with the photograph.” 2
We are struck with two things from this story. First, the absolute arrogance, pride, and presumption of the other climber. He had no idea that he was in the presence of one of the greatest climbers and explorers of all time. Second, we are amazed at the graciousness and humility of Hillary who kindly took instruction from this man and didn’t humiliate him by promoting himself. There is a power in humility. It also reminds us to not presume we are better than others.
Consider now this:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 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. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:3-11
In the Christian life there is no room for pride or arrogance. We ought to view and treat others as they are more significant than ourselves. Our world is concerned with power, prestige, acclaim, and notoriety. Self-promotion has become a way of life. We are so quick to make sure that our name is attached to everything and let others know of our accomplishments. How different Christ was who did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.3 He veiled his glory and took upon himself a human nature. He was born in obscurity, lived in poverty, and died in humility. In has been said, “The way up is down.” It isn’t about making little of ourselves. It is about forgetting about ourselves and focusing on God and the needs of others.
1John Dickson, Humilitas. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011, p. 70.
2Dickson 71.
3Mark 10:42-45.
