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This Independence Day, Bring Humility Back


Today as I make peanut butter pies and scroll through all of the beautiful pictures of families in their patriotic clothes, one thing is on my mind. I'm proud to be an American. So proud of the freedoms we enjoy. So proud of all that our country has accomplished. So proud of the opportunities this country offers. So thankful for the many who have sacrificed on my behalf. And heartbroken for the state our country is in.

 Last night, as I listened to Lee Greenwoods' God Bless the USA play over the loud speakers while the fireworks boomed above, my heart was torn up. I tear up every time. Not just because of the sentiment in the song, but because of how far we've fallen.

 He says, "There's pride in every American heart." And I think there is. But what is so heartbreaking is that the pride he speaks of used to be more about being a part of being something bigger than ourselves. It used to be a pride balanced by a humility to put our country and others first no matter the cost. Be it risking your life to serve as a soldier, compromising on a bill trying to pass in the Senate, or just being willing to listen to someone who disagreed with you on a social matter, there was a humility that is rare these days. 
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, 
in humility value others above yourselves. 
Philippians 2:3

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, 
but be willing to associate with people of low position. 
Do not be conceited. 
Romans 12:16

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, 
be compassionate and humble. 
1 Peter 3:8

Ouch. Y'all, these verses are hard. They are hard to live out. But these are what Jesus commanded us to do. And as Christians, these should be a picture of our everyday lives.

You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. 
Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Matthew 7:16 NLT

What are you showing the world on your social networks? How are you acting in your home, workplace, and church? Are you going outside of your comfort zone to associate with people of lower position? Are you putting others above yourself? Are you being compassionate and humble? 

We have an amazing opportunity to lead this country. We have the privilege of knowing the Truth. We can speak life. We can listen to others. We can step outside of our own little lives for a bit. And we can show others what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We can show them what it means to be the Body of Christ. We can bring humility back.

Be proud to be an American. Be proud to be a part of your family, school, club, sorority or fraternity, workplace, or church organization. Be proud of yourself and what you accomplish.

But be proud to be a part of the family of God most. 
And show the world that you know Him.

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