Teaching Humility

When popular theologian, writer, and pastor Tim Keller passed away last month, I was in the midst of reading his daily devotional on Proverbs, God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life, with a group of friends. We were actually in the midst of reading several consecutive entries on how Proverbs addresses the deadly sin of pride. Keller had pointed us to Proverbs twenty-seven two, which reads, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips.” Keller writes that Only God’s praise cannot be angled for, and cannot corrupt. Keller also quotes these words from Shakespeare: “Pride is his own trumpet, and whatever praised itself but in the deed, devours the deed in praise.” The point is that we must pursue faithfulness to God in all things, and let our deeds speak for themselves. This is biblical humility, and it’s what we are all called to. Perhaps the best place that we and our kids can practice this is on social media. Glorify God, rather than yourself.