Pride, Humiliation, and Humility

June 25, 2016. Pride, Humiliation, and Humility

In Mere Christianity C. S. Lewis wrote, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.” I picture proud fools so busy looking down on everyone they don’t see wonderful beauty in the sky and trees overhead, or anything greater than themselves. They are blind to the accomplishments of others and to their creator.

But I also see humiliated people looking up, wishing they could be like the proud people looking down at them. They are blind in shame because they don’t see the greatness beyond those selfish, arrogant people.

The best perspective is the humble one. Humble people don’t see hierarchy. They see themselves on the same level as the lowliest people so they don’t get caught looking down. But they don’t see arrogant people as being above them either. They see themselves at the same level as other people. Humble people don’t shame themselves or others. We’re all beautiful even though we all make mistakes. When humble people look up, they see their creator and all that is truly excellent, pure, and good. (James 4:6; Philippians 4:8)