Two very different meanings.
Humility.
Humiliation.
One tends to start a good growth process. The other usually ends in bad consequences.
One is self-initiated. The other is too little, too late.
One takes steps toward God. The other runs from anyone and everyone.
One has eyes on Christ and others. The other is a precursor to a penalty, based on self-fixed eyes.
One has victory in its sight. The other has already tasted defeat.
One was the way of Jesus. The other while being part of Jesus’ life, still couldn’t hold Him down.
One draws people to you in love. The other repels people in disgust.
Here’s a great promise on building a life of humilty, (Proverbs 22:4) “True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.”
Let’s put faces on this.
Humility: Andy Pettitte. Ego checked and in the rearview mirror. Overcomer of ego.
Humiliation: Roger Clemens. Ego is his biggest enemy and obstacle, and kills him in the process. Overcome by ego.
“Humility is the only certain defense against humiliation.” (source unknown)
Pettitte played defense and Clemens has no weapons or game plan while trying to play offense.
Both engaged performance-enhancing drugs (albeit, one admittedly). One needs something that enhances integrity and truth.
The truth always wins out. The truth and how we embrace it often determines the outcome of decisions leading to humility and humiliation.
Guaranteed, you’ll experience one or the other in your lifetime. Your heart and attitude will be marked by one or leave a significant mark by the other.
