PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, OR HUMILITY AND IMPARTIALITY?

Thought Adjuster: “In the time of Jesus, both demeanors were simultaneously exhibited on the playing field of His earthly incarnation. The Epitome of humility and impartiality was subjected relentlesslyto mean-spirited attacks on His flawless character by many of His prideful and biased compatriots.

“How do you respond when you are the innocent target of defamation of character? You know from personal experience how difficult it is to remain cool and collected when bullied.

“No matter what befell Him, Jesus remained grounded in His strength of character. His spiritual victory was to ‘disallow’ His detractors to entrap Him in their malicious web of disreputable behaviors.

“Life on this planet is, for the most part, a very humbling experience. To belong to the human race should prompt you to develop experiential compassion toward others. It is a prerequisite toward the acquisition of godlike character traits—like those persistently and shiningly exhibited by Jesus. Someday, you will look back at your humble beginnings and applaud the underlying Divine Wisdom.

“On the other hand, those unable to let go of their pride and prejudices will single themselves out in a different fashion, having refused to humbly surrender to the Divine Will. Jesus had no qualms washing His disciples’ feet—an act that required Him to kneel before them.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. — John 13:14–17

“Keep in mind such a disconcerting gesture and emulate it mentally whenever it is difficult for you to humble yourself in front of others—especially those who mock you.”