Recently, I found myself in an interesting situation. Here I was, talking with someone who was trying to be helpful—yet, inwardly, I was feeling a little annoyed, if not downright incensed. What was going on? It was not this person’s fault, after all. She did not know my background. Much better to close my mouth and simply listen.
I tried to be as polite as possible and hold onto the fact that this person meant well. Yet I found it so difficult. I tried to interrupt her a few times, as she continued giving me advice, but, alas, my words fell on deaf ears. Could she not consider for a moment that she might be underestimating me? I already knew all the things she was telling me. I had been putting them into practice for years and even trained others to do the same. In fact, I was willing to bet I knew much more than she did—or others she was suggesting might be able to help me.
Humph! How dare this person think I was such an ignoramus? I was determined to show her what I knew. So, when she at last drew breath, I swooped and did just that. She smiled at me—but it was obvious she did not believe me. How could what I was saying possibly be true? After all, she was the expert.
All the way home—and for days afterwards—I hung onto my annoyance. I did not like being misjudged. I did not like my knowledge and experience being questioned or downright disbelieved. I did not like feeling so patronised. I knew there was nothing I could do about it, but it still rankled. A lot.
Then one morning, I opened my Bible and found I was up the account of John the Baptist’s ministry in Matthew 3. As I read, I was once again moved by the amazing courage and commitment John the Baptist showed in the way he lived and in his honest, straightforward preaching. And how humble he was, declaring he was merely the forerunner of someone much greater!
I baptise you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (11)
Then I came to the account of Jesus’ baptism. I tried to put myself right there in the scene and soon sensed what a huge moment of humility this must have been for both John the Baptist and Jesus. Here was John the Baptist, blurting out how embarrassed and inadequate he felt, being asked to baptise someone so much greater than he himself:
“I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?” (14)
And here was Jesus, the sinless Son of God, calmly and humbly responding:
“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.” (15)
At that point, I swallowed hard. Where was this wonderful humility in the way I had responded to that person a few days earlier who, after all, was only trying to help me?
Gulp! I think I got the message that morning. And I hope I have taken it to heart.
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 
I know the feeling! But so true, God puts such a high value on humility. Good post, thanks!
Thanks for your comments, Jeanette. And you’re right–God DOES put a high value on humility, for sure. So I think I’m in line for a few more lesson in humility in my life …
I’m hearing you, Jo-Anne. I live life constantly underestimated due to my appearance and softly spoken manner. There are those who presume I cannot speak in public despite me reassuring them I’ve confidently spoken to crowds. There are those, like my new employer, who brushed aside my writing by saying, ‘Well, you had that little side hobby, but now you’ve got a real job and don’t need it anymore.’ There are those who presume I am unintelligent because I don’t push myself forward. There are those who think I am gentle because I cannot be anything else. Gentleness and love is a choice. Humility is a choice. Jesus didn’t defend himself or lift Himself up and so what right or need do I have to do so? I just need to lift Him up because He is the one who deserves it.
Oh Jenny, I’m hearing you too! Thanks so much for sharing your heart in your comments above. By the way, I still remember the excellent message you gave to us all on the Sunday of the writers’ conference in Vic the year before last, so I know you can speak very well indeed. And I think for me it was your humility as you did it that was so disarming and captured my attention, apart from anything you said.
I must admit I feel cranky on your behalf though about those comments your boss made about your writing. It reminded me what people used to say to me when I left our church’s ministry team and started writing: ‘We know you’re writing–but what do you DO?’ Oh well! I don’t think too many people can possibly understand why we write and how utterly consuming–and fulfilling–it all is. So it’s probably best just to smile and let them be!
And I love your point that gentleness and love–and humility–are a choice, Jenny. So true. I hope you will be at the writers’ conference this year again so we can chat about such matters a bit more!
We are to take Pride in who we are in Christ Jesus Jo- Anne, as we can see confirmed in the Scripture below, we are Royalty but it is True we are not Jesus, He is our only Teacher, we need His wisdom and empowering which we ask for and receive.
What Worldly pride is…
Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
1 John 2:15- 17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the Pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
What Godly Pride is …
Galatians 6: 4 Each one should understand their own actions. Then they can take Pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to others.
2 Corinthians 8:24 show these men the proof of your Love and the reason for our Pride in you, so that the Churches can see it.
2 Corinthians 5:11-12 Because we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. It is plain to God what we are, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are giving you an opportunity to take Pride in us not trying to commend ourselves again to you , so that you have an answer for those who take Pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
Romans 11:13b I take Pride in my Ministry.
As a Christian I also take Godly Pride in my Ministry to those who are in darkness, and rejoice with those who are not, as I’m sure you do too Jo- Anne
Christian Love Always – Anne.
Hi Anne! Thanks once again for your insightful comments re godly pride and worldly pride. And yes, I agree we can take pride in who we are in God and in our ministries in a good and positive way, for sure. God bless!