I'm proud.

“I’m proud … Standing here on top of the hill … Master of all I survey … Watching you down there … struggling to reach the top … Yes, I’m proud of my achievements.”

It is inevitable that in life some of us will be more successful than others. Whoever you are, there will always be someone better and someone worse off than you.

Some will reach the top of their profession or vocation – be it business executive, politician, lawyer, doctor … or bishop, archbishop or cardinal.

There’s nothing wrong of course in being successful. God wants good Christians to reach positions of influence in this world; for it is only by having Christians there do we stand a chance of improving the lives of many.

But as we rise higher in our careers there’s something we need to remember. Who got us there?

We may be clever, intelligent, hard-working, diligent … or even just lucky to get to the top. But, really … was it all of our making?

Was it not God who gave us intelligence, good health, determination and the other good qualities to help us along the way? Or did we create our own intelligence and cleverness?

Sure, let’s be proud of our success and achievements. But our pride should be served with an equal, if not larger, portion of humility.

“When He had finished washing their feet, He put on his clothes and returned to His place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ He asked them. ‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them’ “. John 13:12-17.