“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)
It was muggy in Philadelphia on that August 16, 2016 evening when he stepped up to the plate at Citizen’s Bank Park, the home of the Phillies. He said he was unusually nervous, because for the first time in nearly a year it was his initial trip back to a place he had called home for thirteen seasons. Now wearing blue as a member of the L.A. Dodgers, he stood at the plate where he had appeared over 3000 times before. The crowd rose to their feet in a standing ovation for one of their own who had been traded a year ago but in their opinion had not been given a proper sendoff. Chase Utley had returned to Philadelphia. When he was struck out – the fans booed, not at Utley but at their own pitcher. They wanted to see him hit, and hit he did. With a man on base in the fifth he homered, and later with the bases loaded he hit another for a grand slam. In each case, the Philadelphia faithful stood and cheered as if he was still playing for them. In a post-game interview, a quite humbled Utley said – “I should be thanking them…I’m a true believer that the fans made us better players individually and gave us a chance to win.” Ryan Howard, one of his former teammates noted, “I definitely think it was something bigger than a game tonight.”
The very next day, continents away at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – there was another amazing story of sportsmanship. In the 5000 meter preliminaries, USA long-distance runner Abbey D’Agostino tripped and fell after colliding with New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin who had toppled just ahead of her. Rather than immediately getting back into the race, D’Agostino stopped and paused to see if her Olympic rival could continue, helping her to her feet. “The thing about that moment was everything happened so fast. And all I know is I got up and my first instinct was ‘OK, turn around, we gotta finish this,'” she later stated. “I don’t think that was me, I think that was literally the spirit of God in me, like, ‘Let’s go.'” Hamblin returned the favor by checking on her opponent seconds later when D’Agostino’s leg gave out. Both girls were able to complete the race and embraced each other at the finish line. The U. S. runner went on to say: “We both realized it was about so much more than our performance that day . . . a simple act of kindness resonates with people.” What a true demonstration of the Olympic spirit for all the world to see.
These days, many individual accomplishments have been described as “larger than life.” Those who find themselves defined in this way can either allow their egos to embrace their persona as exceptional, or they can become humbled and feel particularly blessed. The Apostle Paul referred to the first of these: “I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6). As we journey in this life, it is important for us to humble ourselves before man and God. Matthew Henry wrote: “We shall not be puffed up for one against another, if we remember that all are instruments, employed by God, and endowed by Him with various talents.” Those who aim to gratify others and revere themselves with greatness will likely find themselves in a position where they will no longer be pleasing God.
After a base-clearing double in August, 2006, legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas exclaimed, “Chase Utley, you are the man.” That comment has followed Utley ever since, serving to remind him that’s who he is – just a man. Jesus stated that we should humble ourselves and give others the seat of honor. “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). James put it this way: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). The lyrics of the old gospel standard sung by Mahalia Jackson and later by Elvis Presley prompts us to recall there is in fact “Somebody Bigger than You and I.” Bigger than life itself, for sure.
REFLECTION: When you are praised for the good things that others see in you, how do you respond? Are there times you need to find a greater sense of humility? To whom do you give credit for your talents?
A NEW LOOKUP DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 27, 2016. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.