I must humble myself

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Luke 18:9-14

You must humble yourself. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. Death is the ultimate sign of spiritual rebirth, and to die in the name of God would surely be the greatest honour a Christian can attain.

For my money, the crucifixion is the greatest form of humbling one could experience. Not only are you brutally executed and displayed as a warning to would-be "law"breakers, those who purport to be your brothers and sisters will rally around in Lemming-like obedience and celebrate your execution. After all, your fate has been determined by our god, the State.

For the Son of God to willingly humble himself to this degree, in the face of utter betrayal from his people, in the face of false accusations, who are you to have any pride in your insufficient self or your own abilities? If the time ever comes that we should choose our faith or death, Lord please give me the strength to choose You in the face of death. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

Amen.