Be Humble

Read Mark 5:21–43

Photo by Jeremy Perkins on Unsplash

Reflection

Jairus, an official of the synagogue, sought Jesus and beseeched Him to heal his daughter. He did two things that were unusual. First, his daughter was dying and no one could heal her. He showed great faith in Jesus’ ability to restore her health. Second, Jairus held an important post in the synagogue. Then, Jesus was not an accepted teacher by the learned. There was even a group of hired mourners who mocked Jesus when He came to Jairus’ home to heal his daughter. If his daughter was not healed, Jairus risked being ridiculed. Hence, he showed both faith and humility in asking Jesus for help. Along the way, Jesus also healed a woman suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years. Like Jairus, she showed great faith and humility in approaching Jesus when it was against a woman, considered unclean, to be among the community. Jesus honored those people who approached Him with faith and humility.

Corporate Leadership

For some older staff who have worked in a company for a long time, it is not easy for them to ask for help. They may have done things a certain way since their employment. However, with changes in technology, management style, and better-qualified colleagues, doing the same thing the same way may not be the most efficient or effective. Yet, seeing others overtake them in performance and promotion can become unbearable. What is more unbearable is the admission that he needs help. Jesus understood the position of the synagogue official and the lady who suffered for twelve years. They had to undergo physical and emotional pain and worse, the humility of asking for help. Likewise, a good leader is gracious with people who humble themselves to seek help from another. James M Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, wrote, “Life is a long lesson in humility.” — XW

Family Leadership

People desire and seek recognition for their successes and other achievements. Children also seek recognition and admiration from their friends for being good in their studies and other activities. However, the difference lies in how the children handle their success. Some children are full of pride in their achievement. They may even scorn those who are less capable than they are. Some take the successes with humility, preferring to give honor to those who have helped them in their achievement. Parents can take note of the humility of the synagogue official and the woman. They knew that it was Jesus who helped them during their time of greatest need. Likewise, children need to be taught that when they achieve their goals, be humble to acknowledge the people who have helped them. Charles Spurgeon, an English preacher said, “Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self.” — XW

Next: Be obedient