Core scripture: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

Message: Speakers are supposed to have it all together.  Aren’t they?  Pastors at church should be model Christians.  Keynote speakers are supposed to be experts in their areas, never making a mistake.  What if I told you that sometimes the most effective speaker is one that models humility.  That is exactly what happened with our FCA huddle last Wednesday.

One of our student athlete’s dads joined us.  When he got up there, he simply had the kids ask him questions in hopes they would seek wisdom.  The goofy questions came out first.  Favorite color.  Favorite flavor of ice cream.  But then, they slowly turned toward the serious.

We discovered he had been through a lot over the last few years.  The death of his mother, whom was the heartbeat of his family, back in 2016.  The sudden death of his father this past summer.  He humbly admitted anger consumed him.  Tears welled in his eyes as he described one of his lowest moments, screaming at God the frustrating question Why?  Why would You let this happen? 

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  Every kid.  Every adult.  Every being in that room felt the insurmountable hurt and pain of our speaker.  Wiping a tear from my eye, I embraced him in a bro hug I would never forget.  That love spread to the kids as they sniffled back tears and loved on one another.  It was one of the most authentic, honest moments I had ever witnessed. 

This whole experience got me thinking.  Do I model humility to my students?  Do I allow pride to creep in when I should be humbling myself?  Can I show grace and forgiveness following disputes with my students?  James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”  To whom do I need to humble myself to?

We live in a society that loves to blame anyone but ourselves.  As teachers we might cast blame on students or their parents or the education system.  Anything but owning up to our role in the problem.  A wise person once said when you point your finger at someone else, know that three fingers are pointing back at you.

David modeled this as good as anyone.  When he committed adultery with Bathsheba, he could have cast blame on how beautiful she was or said that any other man would have done the same thing.  Instead, he owned up.  2 Samuel 12:13 says, “Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” 

David went on to lament, “For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.  Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51 3-4a).  However, this story has a happy ending.  David realizes God can purify him from his sins and be washed whiter than snow, showering him with joy (v 7-8).

We may not be perfect, but we can recognize our faults, admit them, turn away from them, and praise Jesus for what He did for us on the cross.  That sacrifice He made for us took care of it all.  Even our worst sins. 

When you model humility to your students, they soften.  They put down their guard and stop swinging.  And God willing, they will see your example and show the same compassion to others. 

Challenge: Who do you need to model humility to this week?  Maybe it was a student you were short with when you had a long day.  Pull that person aside and make amends.  Apologize for any wrong doing.  If necessary, ask their forgiveness. 

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Praise God for the opportunities He gives us to model Christlike characteristics like humility.
• Pray that God will open your heart to be humble when needed.

Just for fun: How is this for a Halloween costume?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me when my pride gets the best of me.  Help me embrace humility and model that to my students when needed.  Amen.