“So teach us to number our days that we might get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
Human beings at times, tend to live in ways that over emphasize our importance and immortality instead realizing the smallness of our being and our frailness. Generally we tend to see ourselves as being a bit more impervious to difficulties than we truly are. We tend to think that tragedies will not happen to us and if they do, that we will rise up quite in remarkable triumph. We tend to live with hardy a passing glance at death as if nothing can take away our life. We tend to think of ourselves a bit younger than we are, when we are older in age and a bit older when we are younger in age. We tend to think of ourselves as a bit more important, than we probably are and a bit more vital to the systems around us, than we probably are. When we get to the crux of the matter, there is a somewhat default position in most human thinking. Humans often function from a somewhat fantastical self-centered inflated position in their awareness of their being.
In no way do I wish to lessen anyone’s value or worth, but instead offer for our consideration; the value of humility. Bringing the virtue of humility into our life and daily functioning will bring a more honest appraisal and awareness of our place, worth and fragility. Being aware our true size in the area of importance to others is vitally important. Being aware of our true abilities and weakness fosters growth and productivity instead of brashness and inefficacy. Our being more aware and humble regarding the reality of our frailness in matters of life and death will lead us to live intention and purpose. Seeing ourselves when we are young as lacking experience will push towards seeking the wisdom of those more experienced and remembering the failures in our experiences will humble to be more compassionate towards others.
Our Lord desires that see ourselves as we are. We are not as large as we think we are or as important as we think we are. We need His grace, not only to save us but to carry through each day. The days of our lives pass by quickly and our only hope for immortality in found in Christ alone and not in our efforts.
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tenderness and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than himself. Look not every man to his own things, but every man also to the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the fashion of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:1-8, KJ21).
Suggested Reading … Psalm 90 & Philippians 2
