Learning to be modest
There are many laws of God for us. Modesty is one of them. It means being humble in greatness even. We may do great things and become great persons. We may rise to any high position in life. But we must not boast at all. We must not feel proud either. It is with God’s grace only that we can achieve something. Without His kindness, we cannot do any thing great. Where lies then, the excuse for boasting or feeling proud?
Pride is not a good thing. It makes us forget the Almighty. It makes us rude and haughty. It always leads to a fall. Modesty, on the other hand, is the very key to greatness. It earns the pleasure of God. Modest children are liked by all. They are polite in talk and humble in their behavior. They are respectful to their elders. Their talking manners please everybody. God, too, is pleased with them. He blesses them withal happiness. They are good at study and at games. They succeed in whatever job they take in hand.
Modest persons never boast of their greatness. They deem it a God’s favor. So, they are very polite and humble. They obey His laws and do well to others. Let us read the story of a modest king.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a very great king. But he was very modest. One day he was going on horse-back accompanied by his nobles. The party was going for game in the forest. They happened to pass by a village. Some children were pelting stones at a berry tree that stood by the roadside. Suddenly a stone struck the Maharaja. His nobles frowned at the children. One of them said to the king, `My Lord! Punishment should be given to these naughty children. They have insulted your Majesty.’ The Maharaja said, `ask them to be present in my court tomorrow.’ The nobles ordered them to come to the court with their parents the next day.
The children got frightened and ran to their homes. They told the whole story to their parents. The parents also felt afraid and worried. But what could be done? The order of the Maharaja was to be obeyed. So, they went to the court the next day along with their children. Trembling in fear they stood waiting for punishment.
Suddenly, the children were called to stand before the Maharaja. They had turned pale from top to toe. To the surprise of all, the Maharaja called them one by one. He caressed them and stroked their backs. He said to his treasurer, `pay each of these children a hundred gold coins.’
Everybody was struck with wonder. The king smiled and said in a modest voice. `These children were pelting stones at the tree to get berries from it. The tree has grown by the grace of God. I too, have become a king by His grace. Why should they get something from me also when they pelt stones at me?
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