James 4:6 (ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes
the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
In a press confrence, Michael Jordan stood on a stage in
Springfield, Massachusetts. He was giving a speech after being inducted into
the Basketball Hall of Fame. I was expecting the usual words of acceptance,
thanking parents and teachers and coaches. But instead, Michael shared a bitter
rant against anyone who ever doubted his basketball ability. He was cruel and
petty.
Jordan’s speech was so cringe-inducing. But most
commentators excused it because the greatest basketball player in the history
of the world can, in their words, “say what he wants.” In other words, if
you’re talented, it's okay to be a jerk.
Contrast that with a press conference of superstar on the
Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose. At 22 years old, he’s the youngest ever to win the
MVP award. He’s got the entire world praising him for how humble, gifted, and
poised he is as a team leader.
As you watched him speak, he was still remarkably humble,
even choking up to thank his mother who shaped him while growing up in the
crime-ridden West side of Chicago.
Most of us will never reach the level of fame of Michael
Jordan or Derrick Rose. But we each have a talent and if we’re not careful,
we’ll adopt the worldly philosophy that says we’re entitled to treat people bad
simply because we’re gifted. I like what bestelling author and popular blogger,
Jon Acuff recently said about this on his blog: “Wild talent and a bad attitude
eventually always loses to mild talent and a good attitude.”
Just because you’re gifted or have experienced some
success, doesn’t give you the right to be a jerk. Especially if you’re a
Christian. God call us to live humbly, confidently, and sacrificially. This is
the heart of the Gospel, that Christ’s transformation within frees us from
living for ourselves.
Dear Lord, we pray that we would be humble as we look at
the gifts and talents that You have given to us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment