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The need for humility (2)
'IF ANYONE WANTS TO BE FIRST, HE SHALL BE LAST OF ALL AND SERVANT OF ALL.' MARK 9:35
Dr Paul Brand was one of the 20th century's most respected doctors because of his work amongst lepers. His love for India's 'least of the least,' led him to pioneer surgical techniques that surgeons still use today in orthopaedic reconstruction. He was a brilliant surgeon, physician, medical teacher, writer, speaker, and champion for the underdog.
Top author Philip Yancey writes, 'Meeting Dr Brand, I realized I had misconstrued humility as a negative self-image. Paul Brand obviously knew his gifts: he had finished first throughout his academic career and had attended many awards banquets honouring his accomplishments. Yet he recognised his gifts as just that, "'gifts"' from a loving Creator, and used them in a Christ-like way of service.
When I first met him, Brand was still adjusting to life in the United States. Everyday luxuries made him nervous and he longed for a simple life close to the soil. He knew presidents, kings and celebrities, yet he rarely mentioned them. He talked openly about his failures and always deflected credit for his successes to his associates. Most impressive to me, the wisest and most brilliant man I have ever met devoted much of his life to some of the lowliest people on the planet.'
Genuinely humble people try to help others - when there's nothing in it for them. They can do this because they're totally secure in who they are. They're aware of the things that make them successful at whatever they do. And that security - that honest, healthy self-assessment; - results in a humble attitude; one that changes into actions which we can see, actions which make a difference, and a lifestyle we should want to follow.
written by Bob Gass
'IF ANYONE WANTS TO BE FIRST, HE SHALL BE LAST OF ALL AND SERVANT OF ALL.' MARK 9:35
Dr Paul Brand was one of the 20th century's most respected doctors because of his work amongst lepers. His love for India's 'least of the least,' led him to pioneer surgical techniques that surgeons still use today in orthopaedic reconstruction. He was a brilliant surgeon, physician, medical teacher, writer, speaker, and champion for the underdog.
Top author Philip Yancey writes, 'Meeting Dr Brand, I realized I had misconstrued humility as a negative self-image. Paul Brand obviously knew his gifts: he had finished first throughout his academic career and had attended many awards banquets honouring his accomplishments. Yet he recognised his gifts as just that, "'gifts"' from a loving Creator, and used them in a Christ-like way of service.
When I first met him, Brand was still adjusting to life in the United States. Everyday luxuries made him nervous and he longed for a simple life close to the soil. He knew presidents, kings and celebrities, yet he rarely mentioned them. He talked openly about his failures and always deflected credit for his successes to his associates. Most impressive to me, the wisest and most brilliant man I have ever met devoted much of his life to some of the lowliest people on the planet.'
Genuinely humble people try to help others - when there's nothing in it for them. They can do this because they're totally secure in who they are. They're aware of the things that make them successful at whatever they do. And that security - that honest, healthy self-assessment; - results in a humble attitude; one that changes into actions which we can see, actions which make a difference, and a lifestyle we should want to follow.
written by Bob Gass
