A few years ago, there was a story that circulated social media. It was a positive one (for once). The setting was a high school state track championship; the act was one of selflessness and good character: In the final leg of her race, Meghan Vogel didn’t hesitate to stop and help a fellow runner who had collapsed just 20 meters from the finish line. Instead of passing her by and finishing with a stellar time, Meghan stopped and placed her arm around her opponent and walked with her to the end.* An act right out of Romans 15:1, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves…”
But, what was so striking about Meghan’s act was how simple she saw it as. For she didn’t see why all the attention was such a big deal, she did as she knew any of her other teammates would’ve done for her. What faith in the good of humanity.
This brings me hope. That together we may look past the selfishness of pride and put on humility in all things. If Meghan, in what could’ve meant everything to her at that moment – a state championship race – looked beyond winning and to a peer who needed help, than I have no excuse, in my daily walk to do something with a selfless heart. With no agenda other than to serve Christ through others…
But, what is even more incredible about acting out of love for others is that it becomes second nature the more that it is practiced. I can only imagine how incredible of a girl Meghan is already if that was a thoughtless act for her. For it is not easy to choose that which is good for all when one is so used to choosing for oneself – when one so easily chooses pride over humility.
This is what Paul means when he says,
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak”
we must chose humility! So much so, that our choice to act humbly becomes our disposition of heart.
Today, take some time to contemplate where in your life you have chosen pride over humility. Maybe it’s a reoccurring struggle, or one that is particular to certain situations (with a specific person or “type” of person).
Seek out the Lord today for forgiveness and ask Him for the wisdom to know how to act in those situations. And close with this prayer of humility (one that I love, and pray daily before I begin work):
Lord, Teach me to serve you as you deserve,
To give and to not count the cost,
To fight and to not heed the wounds,
To toil and not to seek for rest,
To labor and not ask for reward
Save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen.
*You can read full coverage of Meghan Vogel’s story here: http://espn.go.com/high-school/track-and-xc/story/_/id/8010251/high-school-runner-carries-fallen-opponent-finish-line
