Sounds awful, doesn't it? Our minds instantly go to painful moments in our lives when we were humiliated, if we dare even to recall. Our human pride hates humiliation. We dread being embarrassed by a bully, our boss, our own shameful actions, secret things we have done and regrets that tear at our souls.
Pride is sin. I don't think most of us have ever even admitted this truth to ourselves. It's the opposite of humility. Period.
Black and white.
Personally, I find it difficult to brag about my accomplishments or take compliments. Even in saying "thank you" for a compliment, I am, to be honest, just saying so dismissively. I do, however, love to brag on my wife and kids and declare that I am proud of them. I do love the song "Proud to be an American." Somehow, however, this seems to be a different phenomenon than pride. I sure don't want my wife or kids to become haughty, but I do want them to know how loved and wonderful they are and how important their accomplishments are. I want them to feel blessed for doing right or well or being good people.
As I contemplate and pray about the next steps to take in preparing for the Day of Humiliation and Prayer that I have called for April 30th, I have become focused on the word humiliation. Someone called me today to express their surprise that I had chosen this word. In fact, I did not. President Abraham Lincoln was only the last in a long line of statesmen to call for a day of humiliation. I am only following in their footsteps.
Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Mary said that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Job despised himself and repented in dust and ashes after God humiliated him for four straight chapters.
It's America's turn.
In our pride we have rejected God. The only way to reverse this is to humble ourselves. Humiliate ourselves. Our righteousness is as filthy rags before God. You know, we ought to be ashamed of ourselves for what we have allowed this nation to become. It's far better that we admit that now, repent, and throw ourselves at God's mercy than keep on going, too proud to turn, and face his wrath.
Start humbly praying now. Please redouble your prayer efforts on the 30th of April. If you are able, please join me at the south steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol from 6 to 9pm on the 30th.
