BE HUMBLE OR BE HUMBLED: Lessons from a Coach, Composer, and King

A Humbling Experience in a Small Town

After leading the Miami Dolphins to a perfect 17-0 season in 1972, legendary coach Don Shula and his wife, Dorothy, took a well-deserved vacation in a small town in Maine. One evening, they decided to see a movie at a local theater. As they walked in, the few people seated gave them a round of applause.

Shula, feeling a bit awkward, waved them off. “I appreciate it, but you don’t have to treat me any differently just because of who I am.”

One of the moviegoers quickly responded, “We have no idea who you are. They wouldn’t start the movie until we had 10 people here, and you two just put us over the top.”

That moment put things in perspective. Sometimes, we think we’re the center of attention when, in reality, the world doesn’t revolve around us. It’s a humbling realization!

The Hardest Seat to Fill

The famous conductor Leonard Bernstein was asked, “What’s the hardest position to play in an orchestra?”

Without hesitation, he replied, “Second chair.”

Why? Everyone naturally wants to be in the spotlight—to be the first chair, the leader, and the one getting recognition. But humility isn’t about chasing the top spot. It’s about embracing our role, big or small, and serving faithfully where we are.

King Nebuchadnezzar’s Hard Lesson in Humility

The Bible gives a dramatic example of someone who had to learn humility the hard way—King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar had seen the power of God before, but his pride got the best of him. He ruled over a vast empire and thought he was untouchable. Then, one night, he had a disturbing dream:

A massive tree stretched to the sky, providing shelter for all creatures. But suddenly, the tree was cut down, leaving only a stump behind. The king was confused and called for Daniel to interpret the dream.

Daniel warned him: the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar himself. His pride would bring him low, and he would be humbled in a way he never expected. The warning went unheeded. Soon, Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity, living like an animal for seven years—until he finally acknowledged that God alone holds ultimate power.

His story ends with an incredible testimony:

"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and glorify the King of the heavens, because all his works are true and his ways are just. He can humble those who walk in pride." (Daniel 4:37)

How to Recapture Humility When Pride Trips Us Up

When pride knocks us down, how do we get back on track? Nebuchadnezzar’s story gives us a roadmap:

1. Adjust Your Sight – "I looked up to heaven, and my sanity returned to me…” (Daniel 4:34)
2. Admit Submission – "His dominion is everlasting…” (Daniel 4:34)
3. Acknowledge the Source – "All His works are true, and His ways are just…” (Daniel 4:37)

Practicing Humility Every Day

Humility isn’t something we master overnight. It’s a daily practice. Here’s how we can live it out:

? See Yourself Correctly

• Romans 3:10 – "There is none righteous, not even one."
• Isaiah 64:6 – "Our righteousness is like filthy rags."
• We all fall short. When we recognize this, it keeps us from thinking too highly of ourselves.

? Serve Others Consistently

• Philippians 2:3-4 – "In humility, consider others as more important than yourselves…look to the interests of others."
• True humility means putting others first and looking for ways to serve.

? Surrender Your Ego Continuously

• 1 Peter 5:6 – "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time."
• Luke 9:23 – "Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me."
• Humility isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a daily surrender.

The Bottom Line

Pride sneaks up on all of us, but God has a way of humbling us when we least expect it. Whether through a humbling moment at a movie theater, the challenge of playing second chair, or even an experience as dramatic as Nebuchadnezzar’s, we all face reminders that we’re not in control.

But the good news? When we humble ourselves before God, He lifts us.

So today, let’s ask: How can I practice humility? How can I shift my focus from myself to God and others?

Because in the end, true greatness isn’t about being first—it’s about serving faithfully wherever God has placed us.

Keep on, keepin’ on, friends.?