Humility is often defined as that quiet strength that values truth over applause. It reflects confidence without the need for validation, allowing actions to speak louder than ego. In contrast, craving recognition stems from insecurity and a desire to be seen, often leading to superficiality and disappointment. It is the fruit of a rupture in someone’s ability to sense their value or purpose, or to create some kind of meaning. Humility can foster growth, connection, and authenticity, whereas the constant pursuit of acknowledgment can warp our motives and, in the end, create emptiness.
Welcome Readers! Please subscribe to Social Jesus Here.
This is Part 2 of Humility, Inclusion, Power and Privilege
(Read this series from its beginning here.)
Making a difference doesn’t require one to always be in the spotlight. Contribution can be deeply meaningfully regardless of who notices. To be clear, acknowledgement, recognition for one’s work, or having one’s work properly credited is a matter of justice, and not the same thing as seeking to be valued as of greater worth than others. Our reading this week is instead referring to the unhealthy craving to be recognized over and above others. In such cases, our deficiencies of value cause us to fail to ground our actions in purpose and authenticity.
Lastly, Jesus contrasts a delayed repayment or delayed gratification with immediate benefits. Rather than seeking the reward of social status now, he advises his audience to invest in a future reward at the “resurrection of the righteous.” But it’s still a rewards-based moral economy. I wish the point of this week’s reading was to choose the right because of doing what’s right has intrinsic value over any reward, immediate or delayed. Some people don’t need the promise of reward to behave well. They’ll make good choices simply because it’s the right thing to do. They don’t need the promise of heaven or the threat of hell to live by strong morals. Their own conscience is enough to guide them. Yet, it is just as much true that not everyone works that way.
For some people, fear of consequences is the only thing that keeps them from hurting others. We’ll explore the challenges of this reality, in Part 3.
Are you receiving all of RHM’s free resources each week?
Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
Sign up at HERE.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In