Humility as a Hallmark

Mother Teresa was one of the most beloved Christians in recent history.  She was known around the world for her care for the poor and dying.  She claimed to see the face of God in those for whom she cared.  Her ministry started in the very desperate streets of Calcutta, India.  By the time of her death, her centers that cared for the poor, orphaned and dying grew to include 133 countries.  The stories of her caring for maggot-infested dying street people are some of the most beautiful of our time.  She didn't care about their background, religious faith, social or criminal background.  Her concern about the dying was that they die with dignity...with someone who loved them by their side.  Someone holding their hand.    

Knowing some of this background about Mother Teresa, I bought her book entitled "No Greater Love".   I was thunderstruck by the opening sentence that read:  "I don't think there is anyone who needs God's help and grace as much as I do".  As I read this sentence, I was completely frozen.  I thought, how can someone who has accomplished so much feel that they need the grace of God "more than anyone"?.  Well, as it turns out, maybe she accomplished so much because of this humility. 

Respected Christian leader, Charles Spurgeon, stated that if he were to give one sermon, "it would be a sermon against pride".  Jesus said: "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.".  Jesus despised pride.  So, why are many Christians quiet on the topic while scrutinizing so many other behaviors? 

The verse mentioned in the last paragraph was toward the end of a parable Jesus told his disciples.  In this story, Jesus compared two men.  One, the religious leader, was perfectly behaved.  In fact, he would have been a model member of his church.  He tithed, didn't cheat, was true to his spouse, and fasted twice per week.  He did it all!  Or so one would think.  The other fellow was a tax-collector.  Tax collectors were despised in Jesus' time.  They were the lowest of the low because they were considered traitors.  This wasn't just an IRS agent.  This man collected taxes from his own people on behalf of the hostile occupying Roman government.  He was definitely shunned by his community.  

In Jesus' story, the religious leader thanked God that he was not "like this tax-collector".  What did the tax-collector say?  He looked to the ground and admitted his failings before the Lord.  For this humility, he went home justified before God.  The religious leader did not.  "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."  

Still, pride seems to be widely accepted by Christians while other behaviors are vehemently judged.  As followers of Christ, should we demonstrate the humble nature of Mother Teresa of Calcutta (and of Christ)?  The world does not recognize such humility.  But, I think we would do well to strive for this as a hallmark.