A Remarkable Transformation

The difference between arrogance and humility is massive. They're worlds apart, aren't they!? Which kind of begs the question for each one of us – how do others see me? Am I arrogant or humble or somewhere in between?

It's difficult to think of a more dramatic transformation from arrogance to humility in modern times than in the life of Nelson Mandela.

Once a fiery, militant leader who believed that armed resistance was the only way to end apartheid, his twenty-seven years in prison humbled him, teaching him patience, forgiveness and the power of reconciliation.

When released, he chose peace over revenge, working with his former enemies to unite South Africa – and yes, that's still a work in progress. But as president, he led with humility, prioritising national healing over personal grudges. His transformation from a defiant revolutionary into a wise, compassionate leader made him one of history's greatest statesmen.

Mandela's story just shows how humility triumphs over arrogance. But then, that's nothing new. Back in the day …

Mark 9:35 [Jesus] sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." NRSV

How often do we secretly yearn to be on top of the pile – for our wants, our needs, our comfort, our perspective, to take pre-eminence over everybody else's? A great deal more often, I suspect, than we'd like to admit.

Perhaps as you take stock of your attitudes, your relationships, your behaviour toward others, you might see a few opportunities to redefine what it means to be first.

And where is "first place" according to Jesus? It's that place where we're last of all and servant of all.

That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.