I’m no better

Last updated on: November 18, 2016 at 7:34 pm by Brad Roth

I’m no better 2016-11-18T15:40:59-05:00 Brad Roth

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.



 
  
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought - Romans 12:3

Once, I was in a crowded grocery store, edging my way toward the checkout in a game of social checkers, when a couple slid in ahead of me. It was a sly move, almost cutting. I heard the man say in a surly whisper to the lady (who had the courtesy to be a little embarrassed): “What? He’s no better than us!”

I’m not. But it’s easy to forget this, because if you’re anything like me, you probably tell a story about yourself in which you’re better.

I make better decisions. Or at least, I don’t make bad decisions like those people over there–like those people who are (fill in the blank): up to their eyeballs in sex, drugs, and rock and roll, or whatever it is that qualifies them for the bottom. We invent this sliding scale in our minds. Of course, we’re smart enough not to put ourselves right at the top. I mean, we’re not perfect or anything. But there’s plenty of people below us. We’re jealous and judgmental and greedy–but hey, we’ve never killed anybody. Because we’re better.

We’re sophisticated and we’re aware of white privilege. We eat kale by the bushel. Because we’re better.

We work hard and don’t depend on the government and we have the pioneer spirit. Because we’re better.

We voted for the right candidate, and they didn’t. Because we’re better.

But it’s time to stop comparing. We’re going to have to go through a better detox program, 12 steps to clean of better, flush the better out of our system. We have to sober up. The only thing that replaces better is humility, a horse-pill dose of Philippians 2:3: “regard others as better than yourselves.”

Here’s a suggestion: I wonder if in humility, we can ask what it would look like to truly care about each other’s concerns. How can we live into the humble traits that make friendship possible and rich: abiding, listening, vulnerability, caring, and sharing life as equals? Perhaps the one thing needful is a sense that the convictions of others are as important as my own.

After all, I’m no better.

Uncategorized

election 2016

humility

Previous Post

November 1, 2016

Amateur sainthood

Next Post

November 23, 2016 When things fall apart

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month January 2023 November 2022 May 2022 April 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 April 2021 March 2021 December 2020 November 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What was the consequence of David’s sin with Bathsheba?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Bathsheba was taken from him His kingdom was taken away Their first child died David was exiled

Books by This Author Books by Brad Roth

See All Titles »