20th February 2024

Humility

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.
1 Corinthians 1:26 (NIV)

Kop, Klopp. You can probably guess from the opening two words the inspiration behind this submission – and very much in the news at the time of writing. Yes, a big Liverpool FC fan speaking and have been for decades (purely of the armchair variety). The ‘Kop’ is the famous football stand at Liverpool FC stadium, Anfield. The ‘Klopp’ refers to the team manager Jurgen Klopp. 

He is by all accounts a remarkable man. A professing Christian who is not shy about saying this, which, in itself, is quite a statement when taken in the context of professional football. What other top flight team manager, of any sport, do you know of who has publicly declared their Christian faith?

Journalist and author Anthony Quinn considers him someone for everyone to admire because of certain human qualities and attributes: a leader, caring, inspirational, decent. On top of this he has been an absolute revelation as a football manager, winning awards and trophies by the bucket load, both in England and his native Germany. 

Someone wrote that there are three types of people: the brilliant, the beautiful, and the majority. There is something both cynical and truthful about this observation. Ask yourself, how many real physical beauties or brilliant people have you ever met? Not including your spouse, of course! 

The Bible helps, guides, and reassures us when it says, ‘Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.’ (1 Corinthians 1:26). This helps clarify our thinking regarding who we are in terms of status and stature, if there is any doubt. 

There are some very gifted, brilliant individuals in this world and some may even be Christian. Whatever the case, we can trust God to call, guide and direct them according to his will. The rest of us (including the gifted or brilliant believers) can walk humbly, in faith, with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, praying to submit to his will and live our lives accordingly: ‘…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…’ (1 Peter 5:5 ). It’s good advice. Humility.

Prayer
Lord God, we pray that whatever our stature or status is in this life that we will submit to your guidance in faith and be directed by you in all we do, walking and living humble lives. In the name of Jesus. Amen. 

Study by Kevin Harris

About the writer:
Kevin Harris attends the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International, and is on the Pastoral Council.

Local congregation:
Watford
Knutsford Primary Academy,
Balmoral Road,
Watford, Herts.
WD24 7ER

Meeting time:
Sunday 11.00 am.

Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email:  watford@gracecom.church 

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church