Pride, humility and God
Pride, humility and God

Who can be boastful in front of God? Even our brother and Lord, Jesus said, “why do you call me good. No one is good but God.” St. Paul said, “If those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.”

In a culture where everyone has to assert themselves, since no one does it for you, pride doesn’t seem to be that bad. Particularly when it comes to people or groups who have been persecuted. For them pride is necessary to restore their worth and live as children of God.

However when one’s pride goes too far even to the point of destroying oneself or others, then that pride is not healthy, but become a sickness. We just passed the 4th of July, which is often an occasion for excess pride. This country, which has so many blessings, tends to fall into the belief that abundance is a sign of God’s favor. The arrogance of such thinking makes it much more difficult to receive God’s grace.

The story of Naaman, which appears in the reading from 2 kings, shows how an individual in a position of power similar to ours was able to stoop down and receive God’s grace. Naaman was a Syrian general. His country was quite powerful and his position in that country was quite high. Yet he was afflicted with leprosy.

In seeking relief from his affliction Naaman was able to let go of his pride and listen to and heed the advice of those who might seem to be the most powerless. He first listened to the maid of his wife, then he listened to his servant, which become occasions to restore him—So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.

One of the commentaries, which I read, compares our country with Naaman. The article contrasts our military and economic might with our unwillingness to listen to other nations with regard to global warming or international war crimes tribunals. The article asks, “what might the mighty learn from other peoples of the world? What would we learn if we listened to the poorest of the world’s people and to the poorest people in our own country?”

What might the mighty learn if we risked such questions? Naaman would not have been restored to health if he hadn’t listened to his servants. Millions of the world’s people must feel that our country treats them like servants: sewing our clothes, drilling our oil, stitching our sneakers, and falling in line whenever we call. We are a mighty nations, but our over consumption of the world’s resources is a sign of sickness rather than health, and our military might has not made us feel safe or secure.

The writer concludes that the world would be healthier if this nation could grasp a vision bigger than our might. Whoever you are, wherever you are, alone or with others, how can you and I help this mighty nation learn to listen? Naaman was a mighty warrior, but all his might could not restore him to health. He would never have been healed if he hadn’t listened to those who had no power.

This Wednesday I went to the July 4th concert on the square. I was struck by the lack of diversity. It really is a white people’s event. I know that people of color gather in their own way, but it was intimidating for me and I was sad that there were so few Asian, Hmong, African American, Native American or Hispanic faces. My friend told me that people come around 2 or three, spread a blanket there to find spots and come later. I was also struck by the enormous consumption of food. People even bring tables with flowers and lots and lots of food. They drink wine and enjoy the concert…I think its’ good that the city provides such a beautiful event for families and friends to gather …but on my way to home as I passed by the Grace Episcopal church, my thoughts turned to the homeless men who will be eating a humble meal…

That same week I witnessed a man struggling to maneuver a small cart with thousands of aluminum cans while also hanging onto another huge bag filled with aluminum cans. He is not the only one. I have often seen an Asian woman in our neighborhood with thousands of cans in bags balanced on her shoulders

Namman was a four star general in a mighty country, Syria. From Israel’s perspective he was an enemy, but he listened to the prophet of the country of enemy, the homely, little country…. At first he was in rage as people of status often do when they are not treated as they expect…but then he listened and shifted his body…..

The reading says that “his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean…

Pride is not bad. At times pride is necessary, and it’s life giving force, but when pride becomes a barrier which prevents us from listening to God and God’s messenger, it is not good….

Our Lord knew it, so he told his 70 disciples, whom he gave authority to heal, saying, “nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven….’

Or, and St. Paul writes, My friends, my bothers and sisters, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill he law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves…..Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.

One final thing, which is different, but related…..I was chuckled last week by the comment of Jesus’ disciples. When Jesus was not well received by the village people of Samaria, the disciples said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ I chuckled because I thought of the many occasions I would like to say that to my husband when things don’t do as the way I expected….seems like that is human instinct…

I wonder whether or not that was the initial thought Namman had when Elisha did not bother to come out to greet the mighty general who came from a long journey with lots of gifts…..But then the servant intercede and he respected enough to listen to him and he got restored to health…

That instinct to condemn almost got Jesus Killed at the the beginning of his ministry. When Jesus went to his hometown, and taught in a synagogue there, the faithful Jews were amazed at his teaching, but became angry when he performed no signs for them and put him down saying, he is the son of Joseph. So Jesus used the story of Naaman to remind them that prophets do not always minister to those in their homeland. In their anger the crowd attempted to toss Jesus off a cliff. (God chose people with obedience and humility over the chosen people with pride.)

My friends if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Sprit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness….Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way your will fulfill the law of Christ….for if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves….all must test their own own work; rather than their neighbor’s work…….For all must carry their own loads….. ….what is important is a new creation in God….as for those who will follow this rule….peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Amen.


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