Scripture: Proverbs 11:2-3
When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble. The integrity of the upright guides them, but he crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Thought for the Day: Yesterday I caught a flight to a denominational meeting. I had to laugh as I waited to board the plane. First, they called those flying first class — followed by the Premier Platinum fliers — followed by those with Special Gold Status –followed by the Bronze Frequent Flier Program — followed by those traveling with young children. By the time all the select groups had been named and their constituents had boarded, I am not joking when I say that there were only six of us left… that was six out of the full flight of approximately 220 people. What impressed me was that despite being a member of the elite No-Status No-Special Card No-Cool Title Group, the woman checking tickets greeted me an amazing smile, thanked me for flying the airline, and then wished me a great flight. I suddenly felt important again.
On the plane, I was seated across the aisle from a pilot who was in his airline uniform. He was reading a book on his iPad, and even as were approaching our destination and the flight crew had announced twice for people to power down, he did not. One of the Stewardesses had to tell two other people near the pilot to power down their computers, but she and others said nothing to the pilot. One came by later, hesitated as if she was going to say something, but then went on. I know there are lots of questions on whether electronics can really effect the navigation system of a plane, but I was a bit taken back by the arrogance of this pilot who I thought should be the first to set the example. Instead, he didn’t turn it off until we were pulling to the gate.
Status is a funny thing, especially for Christians. Most every human being has an ego that desires to be recognized and given special attention, but abusing one’s status does not help further the cause of the humble Jesus. I had felt a little like a nobody when I didn’t have some special status for boarding, yet the woman treated me with such dignity and care. Then to see the pilot with a great level of authority take advantage of his status was troubling. The world desperately needs some humble leaders.
Prayer: You are good and kind, O Father God, yet you willingly humbled yourself in the form of a child — a demonstration of the life the you are calling each of us to live. Thank you for your gift and your example. Amen.
