By George Keralis

In a recent sermon, my friend Ron Merritt said that the head will not swell as long as the eyes still leak.  I’m not sure whether this was his original idea, or he quoted someone.  When Ron referred to the statement, God’s Spirit convicted me to take it to heart and think about it throughout the day.

You see, sometimes my head tends to swell.  As I look around my home office, I see diplomas, lots of diplomas.  Hundreds of books line the shelves that literally surround me almost causing claustrophobia.  Pictures, flags and glassware all from around the world adorn the top of the twelve-foot wide bookcase and fill the empty spots on the walls.  Look where I’ve been.  Look what I’ve accomplished.  Look at who I know.  Yes, my head does tend to swell.

“The head will not swell as long as the eyes still leak.”  I understand the meaning of the statement.  As a human being, as a Christian, as a leader, how do I practice the meaning? How does it become a controlling part of my being?

  • We must not think too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3).  Even in Paul’s day people had the big “A,” attitude.  How many times have you heard a parent firmly tell a child, “Lose the attitude.”  Later in Romans 12, Paul will admonish Christians to “[n]ever be wise in your own sight” (12:16).  Between verses 3 and 16 in this chapter, Paul is simply saying, “Don’t think that you are better or more important than someone else.  The body of Christ has many gifted people by God’s design. You are not that important.”
  • We must honestly evaluate ourselves based on the faith granted to us by God (12:3b).  Think of yourself based on your relationship with Jesus Christ.  What has Jesus done for you?  What has God given to you?  From where did you come and where are you now based on God’s actions in your life?  Where would you be without Jesus?  Think rationally.  Think sanely.
  • We must humbly serve others letting Christ be our example (Philippians 2:5-8).  Emptying Himself of all His glory and authority, Jesus took upon Himself the form of a slave.  He taught the multitudes.  He healed their diseases.  He cast out their demons.  He washed the feet of His disciples.  He restored the dead to their families.  He died to save us from our sin which separates us from God.  He served us.  Through the Spirit, which He sent to help us, He continues to serve us.

Two words summarize Jesus’ attitude towards others as He looked upon their circumstances in life.  “Jesus wept” (John 11:15).  Jesus’ eyes leaked. Do my eyes leak when I:

  • See injustice in our legal system?
  • Encounter the homeless whether he has chosen this path or not?
  • Meet a grubby little child walking around in the cold with tattered clothes and no coat?
  • See people shackled and entangled with the chains of alcoholism or drug addiction?
  • Hear people curse the name of Jesus?
  • See Christians sit week after week apathetic to the spiritual death of their neighbors?
  • Fall into sin and become like others instead of like Jesus? 

As a human being, as a Christian, as a leader, do I “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15)?  Do my eyes leak?  Yes, they do, but not nearly and not often enough.

What other ideas do you have for practicing humility? What concerns or ideas would you like to see this blog address? Drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend — Solomon