"How You Have Grown!"

There is a story about an eastern wise man who was famous for giving out good advice. Everywhere he went he carried with him a little black chest. Whenever someone asked him his advice on a certain subject he would sit down on the ground and place the box between his knees. He would grasp the mysterious chest with both hands and bow his head over it. Then he would answer.

People naturally began to wonder and to make all kinds of guesses about what was in this box. They were sure that whatever was inside was full of magic power. Then one day a friend became very bold and asked the old man if he could see the inside of the chest. Surprisingly enough, the wise man seemed happy to show his friend. And so he opened it and let the man look in.

All that the box contained was an old soiled shepherd's cloak. "This is the cloak I was wearing when I was brought before the King," he explained. "Whenever I begin to feel too important I take out this dirty old cloak and it reminds me of what I once was."

Many successful people save some simple memento of their past to remind them of their humble beginnings. Others try hard to forget the lowly years because they are ashamed to admit they were not always high and mighty. God puts a great value on being humble. He who made and owns everything chose to be born in a stable and die on a cross for those who have nothing. The higher we build our skyscrapers the deeper we dig into the earth for a solid foundation.

The first real test of a champion is the way he accepts victory and his attitude toward all who helped him win.

I would be humble, O God, not because I would be great, but because it is how you want me to be.