There is a constant pressure to prove yourself. Prove to your peers that your life is just as glamorous and exciting as theirs. As humans, we are greedy for attention, respect, and affirmation. We want to preserve and affirm our sense of dignity.
If you do hard work, you can prove yourself. Your worth, consistency and self-esteem later become an icon for others. We are very much forced to succeed in life.
So What is Dignity?
Let’s take a look at Jesus and see what is the purpose of true dignity.
In Revelation 4, the Apostle John describes Jesus on the throne in heaven. He is surrounded by angels and worshipped by kings. John has difficulty even describing the beauty of the scene. If this doesn’t show dignity and honor, I don’t know what does. The Prophet Isaiah describes Jesus’ status while on earth in Isaiah 52 and Isaiah 53. He would not be someone who was attractive before others. Men would even hide their faces from him because they hated him so much. Jesus came down from ruling in the heavens at the Father’s right hand to being born in a stable. The only beings around his makeshift crib to adore him were farm animals and dirty, sweaty shepherds. Talk about a change in social status!
Jesus not only laid down his life for us, but also laid down his dignity. From his birth, right up to his last night with his disciples, performing servant’s work by washing their feet, to his death, dying naked on a cross, a torturous death reserved for the worst criminals, Jesus showed humility, constantly laying down his pride and dignity for the good of those He loved. He was obedient to his Father unto death. Though secure enough in His identity as God’s beloved Son, Jesus had the readiness to give up all recognition and dignity in order to save us.
Moving Forward
If we focus on the life of Jesus, our notion of dignity turns out to be an act of love and worship. Try setting apart sometime today and tomorrow to thank Jesus. Reflect on how you can lovingly say no to your own pride, lay down your dignity, and humbly showing love for one another.