Short Thoughts - Envy and False Humility

 

If I cannot in happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.  - Amy Carmichael

Being offended when you aren't given a position you think you should have is something a lot of Christians would recognize as lacking humility. It is common for people to imagine they deserve a more important position or role in a given situation, from family occasions to church events. Most people will try to hide their envy or unhappiness in these situations simply to look "godly," even if they are furious inside. But, we probably all have seen it show through at some point, either in ourselves or others.

I would guess that more people don't recognize the false humility of making a fuss about one's unworthiness when asked to take first place. 

I remember a story my dad told us. Many years ago a position of leadership came open on a certain mission field. A man was asked to step in and take over that role. He knew he was able to do the job and so he quietly, and without fanfare, stepped into the role and began to do it well. There were other missionaries who were offended that he hadn't made a big deal about not being worthy. They considered him proud because he didn't pour on a bunch of fake humility before accepting the role. They didn't know it, but this said a whole lot more about them than it did about him. Eventually he left that role, and I think it was partly because of all the jealous people who thought they should have been asked instead of him. They couldn't stand to see him succeed when he hadn't made sure to declare they were all so much more worthy than he was. Yes, they were full of envy.

Proverbs 27:4  Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

Calvary love - the kind of love that took Jesus to the Cross for our salvation - doesn't stand around being resentful that it didn't get the job, nor does it hesitate when asked to do something where it is fully capable. 

Envy and false humility are two sides of the same coin. Neither one is "legal tender" in the economy of God. He doesn't trade on pettiness nor the pride of man. 

1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Hebrews 13:15-16 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.