There is nothing wrong with receiving accolades for achievement and success. We are often told from the beginning of knowing life, “Do your very best.” The challenge is to stay focused on the One who calls us to follow Him saying, “for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

People who achieve an extraordinary level of fame or reputation while still alive are often called “a legend in their own time.” There are others who are “a legend in their own mind.” Pride has a way of distorting how we see ourselves while humility offers a realistic perspective.

I taught a student years ago who had all of the fancy moves he saw in basketball greats but never scored any shots while playing. Nor did he provide the assistance for others to achieve shots. His mother was angry with the coach because he was not accepted on the school team.

The writer of Proverbs said, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Self-evaluation positions us for a fall. Viewing ourselves in the mirror of self-importance reflects a distorted image. This is why we do not often ask others what they think about us.

I have often wondered why great people have a dark side that not many know about until they make an awful mistake in doing something that does not have anything to do with why they are called great. I was told by a student that you cannot separate the two people. They are the same person.

Some of the vilest people in modern times were/or great artist, great singers, great financial geniuses, great sports players, musicians, preachers, great politicians, teachers, builders, soldier, mother, father, sister, brother. And some I am sure I left out.

Yet when they are spoken of, they are treated like two different people. Some will say, yes that is true, but—I still think they are great. Like the student’s observation that I mentioned above, I still struggle with that. Am I alone? What are your thoughts on the subject?

The antidote to the virus of arrogance is true humility that comes from God, our Creator. “Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.”

Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:26-28).