Unsinkable

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Proverbs 16:16-19 ESV).

It was a spring day, and it seemed that all of South Hampton, England, had gathered in one place to celebrate one of the pinnacle accomplishments of man. About 2,200 people had the privilege of a firsthand view, among them some of the wealthiest people in the world. It seemed the whole world was marveling at this awesome accomplishment. The Titanic was eleven stories high, 900 feet long, and weighed in at 46,000 tons. Yet just five days later, it was all gone. It simply disappeared beneath the cold water to become little more than a massive, twisted wreckage at the bottom of the sea. It’s strange that the name Titanic was always preceded by the word “unsinkable.” In fact, many on board joked, “Even God couldn’t sink the Titanic.” However, it will forever serve as the twentieth-century example of the foolishness of pride. Our reading today says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We can never be reminded enough of the truth that all Prideful Titanics sink into destruction eventually. It is only a life of humility before God that can truly stand in the midst of the storm. Here are some practical ways you can develop humility: First, actively practice gratitude towards peers, mentors, and family. The people that you have surrounded yourself with your entire life have helped shape who you are today. Acknowledge them with gratitude. Second, work on your listening skills. Other people have wisdom that you don’t yet possess. Always seek first to understand, and then be understood. Third, pay the support forward. Be vigilant for ways to add value to other peoples’ lives. Fourth, give credit where credit is due. Always be forthcoming and transparent about other people’s contributions to your accomplishments. Fifth, show respect to others. If you are a good person to friends and mentors but you are rude to restaurant servers that speaks directly to your character. Treat every single person that you meet like family and it will make you a happier, better person. There are no “unsinkables” in life. Take care to develop humility and sink-proof your life.