By Rev. Chebon Kernell

One of the most powerful characteristics of the human personality is the concept of humbleness. While it may not seem profound to some and it may not carry the weight of other socially justice minded values in our world. Humbleness should be understood as a concept that can alter the existence of humanity in a profoundly positive way. And to quote a wonderful historical Jesus scholar John Crossan who asked the question “what will it take to change the trajectory of the human species from its destiny of violence?” One answer to suggest during a time of reflection, repentance and contrition is to revisit and absorb into the concept of humbleness. While it must be recognized that to craft a world that is sustainable for all members of creation, many other notions of existence must be considered. But for our reflection during this Christian holy season of Lent, may we reflect solely on humbleness.

Just to note the obvious, as one of the two major seasons in the Christian church, followers of the person whom many throughout the world have come to call the son of God, are called to journey for this time period in a spiritual pursuit reminding themselves of the life giving characteristics found in the life of Jesus. Spiritual disciplines abound during this time such as prayer, fasting, biblical study, academic study and even acts of charity are engaged in by Christians. Throughout canonical texts one even finds reference after reference to the person of Jesus engaging in acts of humbleness. Acknowledging persons who were considered unclean and unworthy and treating them as whole human beings when society did not. Even inviting the children to come to him as found in the gospel of Matthew urging persons to not rebuke the innocent of the world. But also throughout this gospel one witnesses other instances of the reminder to think of oneself last or in essence maintaining a sense of reverent humbleness. Matthew chapter 20 at the end of the parable shared references the phrase the first shall be last and the last shall be first, stands in direct conflict to their contemporary world. These writings represent a world that is supposedly much different from the modern, a world where Imperial theology and violent dominance exists. In the subversive message of canonical texts we see a simple plea to understand a more holy place in this world by thinking of one’s neighbor before oneself. This can be understood as humbleness.

In communities of Indigenous peoples from across the world this same concept is valued and has been taught to generations of generations for millennia. In the communities of Indigenous peoples that come from the southeastern part of the United States, humbleness was and is a cherished value of society. In these communities simply acknowledging the sanctity of the earth and what she generously provides in air, food and water acknowledges where on the hierarchy of creation the human species rests. It is built in the language and religious structures of the community acknowledging a humble dependence on something else for survival. Humbleness is a characteristic that has supported the existence of Indigenous communities for thousands of years. In all simplicity, all because it limits the violence of hubris and exploitation.

Today, in our spiritual pursuits if we simply understood the broader sense of humbleness, our societies could truly be societies of wellness, love and hope. Understanding a broader sense of humbleness will allow the modern Christian to realize that there are other faiths in this world who also are striving to understand inspired revelations. By having a broader sense of humbleness we can also begin to live more sustainable lives built on systems of reciprocity and not financial exploitation such as capitalism where governments and corporations strive to commodify anything that can be sold. By having a broader sense of humbleness, perhaps we end the violence inflicted in war and remember how to break bread with each other. Maybe we can even remember simply how to share water with our neighbor. Humbleness is something that asks us to think seven generations ahead before we make decisions that could impact the future. Humbleness is something that is often spoken about but only rarely practiced.

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Rev. Chebon Kernell Jr., an ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference and enrolled member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and is of Muscogee Creek heritage, is the Executive Director of the Native American Comprehensive Plan of the United Methodist Church. He has worked with the World Council of Churches, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops assisting to improve relationships with Indigenous communities through dialogue, study and local or regional acts of repentance acknowledging harms inflicted upon Indigenous communities.