The title of this post is inspired by the book The Greatest Virtue, authored by Pat Robertson, host of one of the longest Christian television program, The 700 Club. What is the greatest virtue, you may want to ask? Pat’s book says its humility. I definitely agree, but still read the book, this post is not a spoiler or anything.
The reason I am posting this is that when we think we are humble, then we are not. Humility is the opposite of pride which is very subtle and deceitful. Very tricky messing with pride. It WAS the reason for Lucifer’s downfall. Even if we do not consciously think that we are humble, when put to the test, many fail.
As I did—a couple of nights ago…
I was commuting home via UV express (public shuttle) and the driver misinterpreted that I would be going down somewhere when I was not. He actually had the decency to place the vehicle in a safe place—more of so that he would not get caught. Well, that was not the place I needed to get off.
So he turned around and started talking about how it was a great nuisance that he had to go to this place just to drop me off and I did not tell him otherwise. Well, I told him I taught he was going the other way. Then he repeated his tirade and I repeated my reason.
Let me backtrack a bit. During the start of our trip, he was complaining about so many things. Heavy traffic. Taxis cutting or suddenly stopping in front of him. Everything, as in everything. I already had my earphones on and I could still hear him babbling on and on and on like the Energizer bunny.
Ok, back to the story. It got to a point when I started to boil because he would just not stop. Everyone who is awake in the shuttle was probably hearing it. It was embarrassing for me to say the least. So, in one swift motion, I blurted out, “Manong didiskusyunin mo ba ako hanggang makababa ako?” (Translation: “Will you be discussing this with me until I get off?“)
To my surprise, he did not stop. Another burst came out of me, “Reklamo kasi kayo ng reklamo kasi kaya siguro kayo naghihirap e!” (Translation: “You must be always complaining and complaining that is why you are in poverty!”) He got quiet when I said that. I must’ve hit a nerve. I was nearing the point where I need to go down. And for one last payback, I told him, “Dyan lang ako sa tabi, wag nyo akong ilalayo!” (Translation: “You can drop me off now and don’t you dare stop very far!”) My voice was already trembling with the adrenalin rushing through my veins.
As I was on my way down, I could not resist saying just one more blast, “Pag nakita nyo ulit ako wag nyo na akong isasakay ha?” (Translation: “When you see me again, don’t try to make me ride again, ok?“)
Then when I was on my last ride home, everything was coming back to me. I did not treat him as what a true Christian should do. If Jesus was physically there, I can imagine He could have probably disintegrated with the embarrassment that I was associated with Him. But we all know He won’t do that. That is called grace.
Instead of giving reasons, I should have apologized. I should just have stayed quiet instead of allowing myself to speak hurtful words. I should have been humble. My pride got in the way. I was embarrassed in front of other people. How is a guy supposed to react? Maybe I should rephrase it, “How is a CHRISTIAN supposed to react?” Check out this verse:
Humility truly is the greatest virtue.
