This morning I read a proverb which says,
When arrogance comes, disgrace follows,
Proverbs 11:2 (CSB)
but with humility comes wisdom.
It is 2020, a presidential election year in the United States. Occasionally, my phone will notify me that there are Tweets to which I should pay attention. I am always frustrated when I do because of the tone of the political discourse that always seems to find its way into my feed.
The one thing that so much of the discussion on the internet and social media lacks is humility and if the proverb referenced above is true, it then also lacks wisdom.
I cringe at some of the things that get said by those in our highest office. My frustration is not limited to our current President. His predecessor, from the other party, was no better in this regard. And it is likely that whoever gets elected this fall will bring little, if any, improvement.
The lack of humility that we see displayed might be blamed on the nature of the process. One does not win debates, and sadly, perhaps does not win votes by deferring to others. The whole process is dependent upon self-promotion and defamation of one’s opponent. A survey of advertisements for candidates for both parties at all levels of government reveals that self-promotion and vicious attacks are the normal methods employed.
But, in the midst of all the rancor, I am reminded that one day, a King who will return and take over who was described this way during his first appearance:
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
Matthew 21:5 (ESV)
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”
May that day be soon . . .
