Stepping into humanity is the ultimate example of humility

Have you met somebody who is considered “down to earth?” This generally communicates that they sacrifice their positional authority to become one among many. When I lived north of Chicago, I had the opportunity to meet several celebrity type figures. Some really desired the recognition and fame; others simply wanted to be ordinary. They realized that while fame and glory could be theirs, they would rather be considered ordinary.

The tales of two types of people: Mr. T and Bill Wennington. Mr. T gained notoriety through such fine media as the A team and Rocky. Bill Wennington was a 7 foot tall center for the Chicago Bulls in their glory years.

Please recognize that I am sharing my perceptions of both of these guys, based on a few casual meetings. My wife and I were at Dunkin Donuts late one night and Mr. T walked in for a donut. He was dressed in zubaz pants, tank top, gold jewelry and the trademark Mohawk. The moment changed quickly, people quit eating donuts to recognize the greatness that had just entered the room. People over 20 knew Mr. T, but those under just looked. A kid about 8 just stared at him, wondering who or what he was. Mr. T, Said something like, “Don’t you know who I am?” He appeared to be looking for notoriety. Mr. T went to the car and grabbed a glossy of himself and gave it to the kid.

While working at a hardware store, I had the opportunity to meet Bill Wennington several times. He would come in and was very unassuming and seemingly small. He was 7 feet and stuck out like a sore thumb, but was easy going. He did not appear to want the recognition. He would rather just be considered one among many. He was very “down to earth.” This is quite amazing to me that Bill would humble himself and be one of the guys with a Five foot, eight inch seminary student.

Jesus is the ultimate example of “down to earth.” He temporally set aside the glory due him to become flesh, to be viewed as ordinary and then to be despised. The one involved in creation, became a created being. The one that is the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE was viewed as an ordinary man. The one who was holy, that is set apart from creation and evil became despised and rejected.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

What is your response to God of the universe sacrificing so much for you?

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~ by Chris Rollman on December 18, 2009.