Is Christian Humility Un-American?

It has become popular in recent years to speak of the selfishness of Americans. Throughout the world Americans are considered wasteful and greedy when compared to other nations based upon our consumption of natural resources but the ridicule isn’t limited to other nations. Indeed in recent months, United States government officials across our great nation have become very vocal against huge corporations such as BP for caring more about profits and less about the “little people” that make America such a great country. On the surface it might seem even honorable to speak out against such examples of greed and extreme wealth.

However a closer look at both the politicians and others protesting across the country reveals a much different picture. What was once a nation of hard-working honest citizens, has become a nation of lazy “I want it my way” protestors. Even “American Religion” can be characterized as selfish. We want church services to last as long (or more importantly, as short) as WE want them. We want them to look like WE think they should. We even want the church to teach what WE declare to be true. And if anything is said or done that I disagree with the church is wrong and must be corrected!

Christian humility is quite different however. “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof.” (Matthew 8.8) These are the words of a military leader and very powerful member of society. “I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Matthew 8.9) In today’s society it would be unheard of for such a powerful man to admit he wasn’t worthy of anything…..let alone a visit from God.

And God honors his humility, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (Matthew 8.10) True Christian humility understands that, despite our extreme wealth and power (or lack of it) Christ still honors us with life and His blessings. When we show this level of humility to God and those around us, He will say to us, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” (Matthew 8.13)

It might be un-American, but it’s true!