We often look down on a humble man. By his own admission, he is below us. He never tells of his own worth. We never hear about any splashy achievement that he has performed. When credit due him is usurped by others, he is meek in rectifying it. “No guts, not a fighter,” people say. He is a meek man, but “the meek shall inherit the earth”. Some do not respect him, because he does not go with the usual pattern of men. The accomplishment itself is what is important to him, not the glory or reward he would get from it.
This is not to say he is a “namby-pamby” pushover. When there is a right to be served, his presence is felt. His ideas are presented and processed according to the will of God. Talent and worth are recognized above greed and ambition. Ability cannot be hidden long. This man has many friends because he is not feared. He is quick to recognize the good in others and give them their due. His personal rewards are many. They may not necessarily be monetary, but the intangible ones go on and on. Here is a happy man. He has the world.
Our own Ego causes us much unhappiness. We want to be loved, admired, first in everything, and be honored by our peers. We have ambition to “win” in every undertaking. When natural talents and abilities fall short, we tend to use any means at our disposal to make it happen. If it is a personal disagreement, we may resort to insults or belittling so we may win. In other instances different types of knavery are used to get the results that are desired. This breeds dishonesty and violence. Evil is generated from this simple start. If a man can control his Ego, he is meek, and all the unhappiness of the spirit abounding in the world, is not for him.
The meek and humble man gives all credit to God for what he is and has received. God knows his heart. By repeating that he is humble to others, does not make it so. It is a feeling that must come from that heart. This is what is meant by “loving others as yourself”. You never put them down in what you say, and are always careful of their egos. Let God love through you. Give them unearned love, uncritical approval whenever you can, and support them when it is needed. Think about how you would like to be treated by others. That should make it simple to love.
Love God first. Stand in awe of His handiwork. Love God’s most wonderful handiwork created in His image, man. Know that you are here for only a short while and make the most of your life that you can. Know the direction of your life and rejoice in your commitment to the eternal. Let God use you to bring His love to other men.