Scripture notes that, "Moses was very humble ['meek,' KJV], above all the men that were upon the face of the earth" (Num. 12:3). That Moses himself wrote these words is a little startling at times to those having never made the connection. Something may be learned here, however.
In reading the Book of Sirach this past week, I was particularly struck by two verses. (While usually identified with Catholic versions of the Bible, the book was included with some hesitation in the original King James Version of the Bible, and may yet be found in many KJV "Pulpit Bibles" under the name Ecclesiasticus - not to be confused with the Book of Ecclesiastes more common to Protestant consciousness). The verses read thusly:
"My son, in all modesty, keep your self-respect and value yourself at your true worth. Who will speak up for a man who is his own enemy, or respect one who disparages himself?" (Sirach 10:28,29 TNEB).
Regarding one's "self value" and sense of "worth," distinction is to be made at this point between a false, pseudo humility and simple objectivity. In terms of positive attribute, one is, by the grace of God, what he is - no more and no less (cf. I Cor. 15:9,10). There is both psychological and spiritual release here in that one need not prove himself something that he is not - nor, conversely, need he downgrade that which God has deigned to effect in and through him.
Paul touches on both aspects of the issue in his epistle to the Romans: "Through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think. Let him estimate himself soberly, in keeping with the measure of faith that God has apportioned him" (Rom. 12:3 NAB).
Within this frame of reference one can then experience a sense of fulfillment quite apart from misguided self-importance or quest for recognition. Again, the words of Paul: "If a man thinks he is "somebody" he is deceiving himself, for that very thought proves that he is nobody. Let every man learn to assess properly the value of his own work and he can then be glad ["take pride in himself," NIV] when he has done something worth doing without depending on the approval [i.e., applause and recognition] of others" (Gal. 6:3,4 Phillips).
Thus the apostle's observation that: "In union with Christ Jesus, I can be proud of my service for God... He has done this by means of words and deeds, by the power of miracles and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. And so, in traveling all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum, I have proclaimed the Good News about Christ" (Rom. 15:15-19 TEV.)
Bragging or self-promotion? No. As always, the ordained objective is that "in all things (Christ) might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18; II Cor. 4:5). This keeps it all in perspective
Burl Ratzsch
