Do you remember the Underdog cartoon? Perhaps I’m dating myself here, but Underdog was a superhero who always saved the world from a host of villains. And when he wasn’t saving the world, he had a different occupation. He was a shoeshine boy. The voice at the show’s beginning would say something like, “One of the city’s most humble and lovable characters … was shoeshine boy.”
After shoeshine boy completed his task, the customer would toss him a coin, pat his head (he was a dog, after all), and then the customer would say, “Thanks, shoeshine boy. You are humble and lovable.” And suddenly, responding to a cry for help, shoeshine boy would run off for his transformation into the crime-fighting Underdog.
And as a child, I would wonder, “Why didn’t shoeshine boy just walk around as Underdog?” It certainly would have gotten a lot of attention. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive admiration and respect and be set aside?
Now the writers who created this character decided in a different direction. Instead, they wanted to show that Underdog didn’t care who got the recognition. So, let me ask, how often are you like that?
Because humility is an attitude.
Did you know you must learn humility? We are born with the exact opposite attitude. One of the first words you hear whenever two small children play is “Mine!” No, that’s mine! Unfortunately, many adults never grow out of this. Those who struggle with “me-mentality” will also find it difficult to experience absolute joy and fruitful relationships in their lives.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” – James 3:13.
Jesus reminded His followers that true humility has its origins inside you; it’s a matter of the heart. What’s inside, good or bad, will always rise to the surface in what you say and, more vividly, in your actions.
Why do you do the things you do?
Jesus often warned against the religious scholars and Pharisees of the day. Because even though they may have taught God’s Law by saying the right words, Jesus pointed out that they didn’t always practice what they preached. Jesus pointed out how these religious men enjoyed the title and perks of the office to the point that it clouded their focus on God.
As a student of history, I enjoy reading and studying about Presidential leadership. And while our President needs to have the traits of strength and confidence, I also believe that humility is an essential quality of a strong leader. Abraham Lincoln was such as man. Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who wrote the brilliant book, Team of Rivals, had these words to say about Lincoln.
Lincoln often gave importance and thought about other people’s points of view. He shared credit with ease. He constantly acknowledged his errors and learned from his mistakes. He refused to be provoked by petty grievances. He never submitted to jealousy or brooded over perceived slights.” – Doris Kearns Goodwin
We can profess to be more in tune with God than we are; it’s pretty easy to do that. However, proving the claim to be in tune with God is another matter altogether. Humility requires you to speak words that will not contradict your actions. The fact is, you cannot glorify God through your life if your attention is constantly focused on your wants and desires. But those who remain humble, and like shoeshine boy (aka Underdog), they may not get all the recognition they deserve.
May we know what it means to be humble and loveable and teachable in our lives. By doing so, may we get closer to God, as the One who actually deserves the credit for all the good that we experience in this world.