We all long to be recognized.
Assigned parking spots, early access, blue check-marks, and elite lounges all buoy our ego and give us a sense of pride, even if we won’t admit it. A part of us just feels validated through inclusion in an exclusive ‘club.’ And we welcome it because the perks support our ‘special-self’ narrative.
Furthermore, we long for others to pick up on these cues and accordingly recognize our elevated standing. Of course most of us won’t do so overtly or actively, but when it organically transpires we are all the more satisfied.
This is not a new aspect of human nature, but a recurring theme throughout history. We not only want to be special, but to be recognized for our specialness. The latter being even more desirable than the former. However, this endless quest for recognition often leaves us wanting, and we are rarely, if ever, recognized when and how we see fit. Jesus was not ignorant to this reality and therefore offered this wisdom in Luke 14:
“When you’re invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, ‘Friend, come up to the front.’ That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I’m saying is, If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face. But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
Humility, as we have seen advertised in previous studies, is a hallmark of wise living. Notably added in this instance is patience. And when you really think about recognition, patience and humility go hand in hand. We want to lift up those who have been long-suffering and put others ahead of themselves.
However, the pair together are something I personally struggle with. For in my mind, I deserve to be elevated to positions of greater responsibility sooner than typically manifests. I’ve consistently laid out lengthy arguments in my head to myself of why I ‘should’ be honored and offer justification for my own credentials above others. My impatience has therefore served as a hindrance to my humility. And if I am truly being honest with myself, I, and those in my charge, have benefited every time I have been required to wait.
My takeaway is if we can humble ourselves and be genuine in our approach, then we will be recognized in due time. That it isn’t our responsibility to shape when, how, or by whom. I personally need to stop worrying so much about being honored or slighted and focus instead on those things I have control over: my humility and openness.