Whether in a parking lot showdown for the last open space or in our desire to advance our status and reputation, pride manifests in the human heart in many ways, some more subtle than others. However, the ugly pride monster rears its head in all of us. Sadly, like Jesus, we live in a culture that promotes the advancement of the self at the expense of others.

Our humble Lord calls us to shine as lights by living counter-cultural lifestyles of humility. He tells us to seek the well-being of those of low status: the poor, the sick, the blind, and all who are marginalized.

Perhaps the best place to begin is by combatting pride in our own lives and seek to put others first. If we trust that Jesus has achieved our human exaltation by his death and resurrection, we will stop seeking it for ourselves. With our eyes fixed on the glory of resurrection, let us always seek to humble ourselves, following in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus.