"Life’s Ladder"

     For several years I had the privilege to help with medical and mission work in Lima, Peru. One particular year, after arrival and settling in, I was placed in a position to work with several older Peruvian gentlemen who were assisting us in the local work. Having the formal introductions made they looked at me, stroked their faces in an indication of my large moustache and said, “Don Vito”. Well the only reference that my mind went to was Marlon Brando’s role as Don Vito Corleone in the Godfather. So, with this in mind, I did my best Godfather imitation, gesturing with my hands as if receiving their humble allegiance to my position of authority and power. Each day as I met this group of men they would say in unison, “Don Vito, Don Vito” and each day I would go through the act of accepting their greeting as if I were a person of position. They and I would laugh together after each day’s greeting. After about four such morning a translator was standing close by after the exchange of the morning greeting and I took the opportunity to ask, “Why do they greet me each morning as Don Vito?” I knew already that it surely was a sign of respect of some form to Peruvians that I myself was not clear on, so I was hoping the local interpreter could enlighten me on its meaning. “Well,” he started, “in your county it would the equivalent of Chef Boyardee. Don Vito sells a lot of Italian food in Peru.” Sometimes humility is served with marinara sauce. Each of us likes to think of ourselves as a person of worth and even position but often we let the level become somewhat inflated. Humility does not always come easy. I want to think of myself as a person of worth but I also don’t want to convey a sense of superiority. I read a statement that helped me put it into the proper perspective. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. It often seems we live in a world where we are always concerned about our position on the world’s social ladder. What step on the ladder is the most important? Is it the first, last, or those in-between? If it had but one step and we were all on it, it wouldn’t be much of a ladder, would it? Those whom the world sees as less are just as important as the steps at the top. It is a blessing to know that Paul, in 1 Tim. 2:4 says of God, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” The salvation that God offers is not reserved for the rich, the wealthy, those that occupy the upper steps of the ladder. It is offered to all, no matter what step you feel you occupy. The humility that we need to express is often the one most are not willing to give. To humbly know that salvation is not within my power, that it is only found in Christ Jesus. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6): In this life, we are often confused about our self-worth yet God knew your worth, with all your triumphs and your many short comings, and was willing to sacrifice his son for you. I know of no more humbling thought than this.