Once more we cycle back to Mt 18, and the call to smallness.
unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven
Not only does the word used here mean children. It is a diminutive form, little children. Complicating it further the word is also used to refer to servants and slaves, in that way that "boy" was used in the South.
I think it is important here to distinguish between self-deprecation and humility. Self-deprecation is an offense against the basic human dignity we have from conception, and often reflects deeper issues best addressed in counseling.
True humility begins with the recognition of the equal dignity of all human beings, and then freely choosing to put others ahead of yourself. It is a constant self-monitoring process, watching out for those moments when we put ourselves ahead of others , when we act is if my need to get to work is greater than the other person in the car next to me, for example.
Today look for those opportunities to put someone ahead of yourself. Open a door. Let someone into your lane. Let someone speak first. Become the servant at ever opportunity.
