The current trend of the culture is that pride is in and humility is out. To succeed in big business, it would seem that an element of pride may get you respect. A prideful man is often seen as a successful man and as one who knows what he is talking about. It is amazing to see the great divide between the world’s ways and that of Jesus Christ. “Me-first” is a common attitude that resounds in the heads and hearts of many. Unfortunately, for many us, it still finds a place in our hearts as well.
A man known as Patch the Pirate has a series of children’s CDs. Even adults can benefit from the simple teachings found within. Each CD is basically structured the same, as you set out on an adventure with a man named Patch the Pirate and his crew of friends through the wild west, across the seas, and more.
On one of these adventures, Patch and his crew find themselves on “I-land.” There they find that a king rules there whose name is “King Me-First.” One of the crew members begins to be influenced by this king who is consumed with self, and the king’s ways start to sound appealing.
As the story continues, this crew member begins to drift further from the truth. In his drifting, he slowly and subtly believes the lie that living a self-focused lifestyle is really the best way to live. However, after finding himself imprisoned on this island of self, he gets a glimpse of Jesus, and his pride begins to turn into humility. Only by turning to God is he freed from I-land.
John knew his identity
John the Baptist has an amazing testimony in the Scriptures. He is truly a man to be emulated. In John 1:19, we begin to read a lengthy portion of his testimony. The Jews ask John a striking and telling question. They wanted to know who John was, so they ask, “Who are you?”
John responds in a unique fashion by telling them that he is not the Christ. In John 1:19-23, we gain some helpful information as to how John was able to walk in such great humility. He knew what the Scriptures said, and we can know this because in verse 23, he quotes the book of Malachi. In John 1:23, we catch a glimpse of John’s identity revealed when he uses the words “I am.” He says, “I am the voice crying out in the wilderness” (English Standard Version). In this verse, John finds his identity, and in his identity he finds the power to walk in humility.
John knew his purpose
John’s humility came through more than simply knowing who he was. It also came through knowing what he was called to. In verse 23, yet again we see that John’s identity and purpose are so closely connected that they are literally inseparable. The “I am” statement is linked to action.
John knew his purpose. He knew that he was on earth to make the path that Jesus would walk straight. This is a telling truth because it speaks of the way someone would go before a king to make the king’s path as easy to walk as possible. This would be done by leveling out the paths and straightening them as much as humanly capable. John knew that he was not the king, but rather that he was here to serve the king. In this, he found power to walk in humility.
John knew his position
John embraced a lowly position before Jesus. He knew his rightful place. A man by the name of John Bunyan tells of the way that a man who is lowly does not need to fear falling because he is already so close to the ground. Taking the lowly position isn’t popular in our culture, but John the Baptist didn’t even believe he was worthy enough to stoop down to untie the sandals of our Lord (v. 27), a job reserved for the lowest of servants.
John knew his place. He believed he didn’t even deserve to be the least of Jesus’ servants. But in this, John found life. John found Jesus. In this great understanding of our position before God, we too can learn from John how to gain power in our lives to walk in humility.
John knew his God
As Jesus was walking toward John in verse 29, John makes it very clear that he knew his God. He knew Jesus was the Lamb of God. He knew Jesus was going to die. He knew Jesus was going to take away the sins of the world. Even Jesus’ disciples didn’t grasp the Savior’s death well. When Jesus tried to tell them he would die, Peter actually had the nerve to rebuke him on the matter (Mat. 16:22). John knew his God, and his knowledge of God led him to walking in humility.
John knew his sinfulness
Knowing that we are sinners is something that should produce in us a level of humility. This humility should also lead to greater degrees of holiness. John knew he was sinful and that he was totally and entirely dependent upon the mercy and grace of God. He knew he didn’t have any personal achievements or good deeds to bring before Jesus in an attempt to plead his case. Rather John recognizes that Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (v. 29). John finds himself under this umbrella. He recognizes that Jesus came for him.
When we begin to see that the lives that we have lived actually brought about the death of Christ, our pride begins to drift away. Pride is something that makes us believe that who we are and what we have done is worthy of praise. We think that there is something special and unique about ourselves that merits a pedestal. We believe that placing ourselves above others is what we deserve. However, an honest glance at what our lives have brought about will reveal that it led Jesus to the cross. John saw what his life required. Rather than requiring praise, it required a Savior. This helped John to grow in his humility before God and man.
John knew his direction
Finally, John knew his direction in life. He knew where he was going. He knew where others needed to go as well. The Scriptures tell us that when Jesus walked by, John looked His way and told others to behold. John knew the course and direction of his life, and in this John gained humility.
In closing
May we be challenged by John’s life. John knew his identity. John knew his purpose. John knew his position. John knew his God. John knew his sinfulness, and John knew his direction.
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for Your grace in this area. I need Your help to make me more of a humble person. I pray for Your Spirit to help me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.