A Lesson in Humility...by Max Lucado
A Lesson in Humility
by Max Lucado
Jesus … made Himself of no reputation … He humbled
Himself and became obedient to the point of death,
even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5, 7–8
Deflating inflated egos is so important to God that he
offers to help.
He helped me. I recently spent a week on a book tour.
We saw long lines and crowded stores. One person after
another complimented me. For three days I bathed in
the river of praise. I began to believe the accolades.
All these people can’t be wrong. I must be God’s gift
to readers. My chest puffed so much I could hardly see
where to autograph the books. Why, had I been born two
thousand years earlier, we might read the gospels of
Matthew, Max, Luke, and John. About the time I
wondered if the Bible needed another epistle, God shot
an arrow of humility in my direction.
We were running late for an evening book signing, late
because the afternoon signing had seen such long
lines. We expected the same at the next store.
Concerned, we phoned ahead. “We are running behind.
Tell all the people we’ll arrive soon.”
“No need to hurry,” the store manager assured.
“What about the people?”
“Neither one seems to be in a hurry.”
Neither one?
By the time we reached the store, thankfully, the
crowd of two people had tripled to six. We had
scheduled two hours for the signing; I needed ten
minutes.
Self-conscious about sitting alone at the table, I
peppered the last person with questions. We talked
about her parents, school, Social Security number,
favorite birthday party. Against my pleadings, she had
to go. So I sat alone at the table. Big stack of
Lucado books, no one in line.
I asked the store manager, “Did you advertise?”
“We did. More than usual.” She walked off.
The next time she passed I asked, “Had other
signings?
“Yes, usually we have a great response,” and kept
going.
I signed all the books at my table. I signed all the
Lucado books on the shelves. I signed Tom Clancy and
John Grisham books. Finally a customer came to the
table. “You write books?” he asked, picking up the new
one.
“I do. Want me to sign it?”
“No thanks,” he answered and left.
God hit his target. Lest I forget, my daily reading
the next morning had this passage: “Do not be wise in
your own eyes” (Prov. 3:7).
When you’re full of yourself, God can’t fill you. But when you empty yourself, God has a useful vessel.
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