I was watching the final 2021 F1 race. After a gripping race, Max Verstappen is crowned as winner and driver of the year in a very controversial manner. The Red Bull camp is overjoyed and the Mercedes camp upset.

Early the next morning I sent my son, a great Max supporter, an article saying that the F1 had rejected the two objections raised by Mercedes, but that Mercedes had indicated that they would raise another.

My son’s response was that they were salty.

I didn’t understand what this meant and asked him to explain. He answered: “Salty is a slang term for irritated, angry, or resentful, especially as a result of losing or being slighted.”

Well, Max of Red Bull won the race in a controversial manner. After Mercedes had won it for eight years in a row. Was it necessary to make such a noise about it?

No, I’m not choosing sides, but aren’t we all a bit like this? When we feel we’ve been ill-treated, we want to pick up the gloves. And we want to start boxing, because this is mine and I would do anything to get back what is mine.

God’s math doesn’t work like this. God actually always chooses the underdog. God gives the humble person stature. The one who fights for right and wants to reverse at loss all cost, is last line with God.

⁹When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it.

Where do you find your value? Do you strive for fast cars or mansions or lots of money? Is it important for you to win every competition? Do you have to be first in line? Do you always steal the spotlight? Is it important for you what other people think of you?

These things don’t really bring peace. Even less do they bring joy. It’s with the opposite things that you find rest, which is humility. Humility is when you realise that what you have is by grace alone.

Humility is to know where all that you have comes from. Humility is to know that it is God who gives you breath and that He can take it back.

Indeed, in this humility you realise that God sees you differently. That cars and money and reputation and luxury and lights disappear like mist before the sun for God. He values the person behind all that. What is going on in your heart is what it is all about. The rest is simply noise.

We need to know this. Let’s confess and remain humble, because that is why we will be first. Make sure you’re striving for the right things.

Scripture
James 1:9-11

Reflection
In what direction are your dreams running?
What is the foundation of your esteem?
How strong is your humility?

Prayer
Father, we look for esteem and meaning in the wrong places. For You, last comes first. Help me direct my dreams at You and to know that humility is actually the key. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.