This past week Shaquille O’Neal harshly criticized many celebrities. He said that they have lost touch with reality. In his opinion, they look down on others and therefore do not understand or empathize with the struggles of the common people. They have let their success and pride make them lose touch with who they really are. While acknowledging his own celebrity, he pledged to withdraw from the privileges of his status. His comments seemed to be heartfelt and, therefore, are admirable.
What does God think of those who separate themselves from the lowly? Psalm 138:6 says, “For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.” The Lord is God Almighty. You cannot have a higher status. Still, He identifies closely with the lowly and draws close to them. On the other hand, He keeps the prideful far from Him. Jesus calls Himself “gentle and lowly”.
God calls us to reject our own tendency to be arrogant. He calls us to acknowledge our own dependency on Him. Then He calls us to have compassion on the weak, unwise and needy. Because, after all, that is who we are.
Reluctant Retiree 