Isn't it too often that when we help others, we so earnestly want to get recognition and instant extra credit from our peers? It may be a natural response, but is it the humble response? Let's find out what history can show us about these things.
An extremely humbling lesson that can easily go unnoticed is in the story of King Uzziah. It is something the Bible mentions very briefly regarding the grand scale of assistance that this great king of Judah received. Yet there is much to learn from it.
"In Jerusalem he made machines designed by skillful men for use on the towers and on the corner defenses to shoot arrows and hurl large stones. His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful." (2 Chronicles 26:15)
Who "greatly helped" the king? Mostly people who are now completely nameless to us. They don't go down in history as elevated heroes of old. Their name remains a lowly, humble, unknown entity. There's no elevated grandeur associated with them. These hard working and gifted helpers have become a mere footnote of ancient times. That is humbling. Today, God only knows what they did and who they are, and that's about it.
Notice that right after this in the Bible, King Uzziah "became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD..." (2 Chronicles 26:16). The king became prideful about all the humble help he received. That is not the right response. Pride and lack of gratitude go hand in hand. It led to unfaithfulness and a very sad "downfall."
How does that relate to us now? Think deeply about two things:
If you are like most people, much of the help in both categories has been either thankless, or not thanked enough. That should humble us, and make us all the more grateful. And that is exactly where God wants us.
Now think about your level of helpfulness to others. Are you looking for credit and great recognition? That might be pride. Or are you simply being helpful because that is the righteous and humble and kind thing to do?
Let's all help others for the right reasons: out of concern for our fellow man, woman, and child. In this way, we become the humble helpers who please God.
Therefore, for all the helpers out there, I say thank you. Stay humble, and helpful.
