The Paradox of Power

Small is Big and Big is small? Sounds strange in this world of the GOATs and BOATs !

Humility often feels soft or passive in our modern world, but its origins tell a different story. It is derived from the Latin word humus, meaning earth or soil. In fact, the word human is etymologically linked to humus, meaning earth or soil! To be humble is to be "grounded"—to have your feet planted firmly on the truth of who you are and who God is.

​In the Kingdom of God, humility isn't just a personality trait; it is the very foundation of faith. Without it, the structure of Christianity collapses.

​Throughout scripture, God bypasses the palaces of power to write His story in the dust of the earth. He chooses the "grounded" to shake the world. Think about it: 

1. The Prince of Peace in a Feeding Trough: Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, did not enter through a marble archway. He was born into a carpenter’s family and laid in a manger—a stone or wooden box for animal fodder. The King of Kings chose the scent of hay over the scent of incense.

2. The Prophet in the Wilderness: Moses was raised in the pinnacle of Egyptian royalty. Yet, to become the deliverer of Israel, he had to leave the golden halls of Pharaoh to become a penniless wanderer. It was in the dirt of the desert, tending sheep, that he finally became "the humblest man on earth" and was ready to hear God’s voice.

3. The Shepherd on the Throne: David was the youngest son, the one left in the fields while his brothers were considered for kingship. God did not look at his stature or his status; He looked at a heart that was grounded in worship.

The Paradox of Power

​We often spend our lives trying to "rise above" others, seeking higher status and greater recognition. Yet, the Gospel teaches us that the way up is down. When we remain close to the "humus"—when we stay grounded in the realization that we are made of dust and sustained by grace—we become the most fertile soil for God’s miracles. Pride makes us hard and impenetrable like rock; humility makes us soft and ready for the Sower’s seed.

​"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." — James 4:6

​A Daily Mantra for Humility

​Consider carrying this short thought with you throughout the day:

“For dust you are, and to dust you will return.”

This is the line God speaks to Adam after the fall, and it’s the foundation for the connection between humus (earth), humility, and human. Humility isn’t just a virtue — it’s embedded in our identity.