Humility and tolerance?

Some of the basest human behaviours emerge as our society continues its progress in science, technology and medicine. Ironical? Yes, but justifiably so.

Today's world leaves no time and place for graciousness and basic humanity. Incidentally, a blog I've been following has this to say about acquiring knowledge "If such acquired knowledge simply serves oneself and demanding the entire universe to circle around one's life, it creates a utilitarian attitude that will serve no one in general and eventually degenerate to a life that hints of arrogance, pride and self-love." Arrogance, pride and self-love. The world is full of them camouflaged as human beings walking, eating, breathing and working among us. In all likelihood, they might even be us.

Where is humility and tolerance? It is in the teacher forced to apologise to her student over a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding that occurred only because she was trying to do her job. A misunderstanding that occurred only because the girl had not liked being reprimanded for her misbehaviour and had gone home to exaggerate the drama.

As a professional, the teacher had called the girl's mother to make peace but was instead ordered to apologise to the daughter. Humility and tolerance is in the lone tear silently rolling down her face as she put down the phone. It is in the quiver of her lips as she bit back the bitter taste of this humble pie.

Humility and tolerance is in a domestic helper bearing the brunt of her employer's tirade....over a dish at dinner. It is in not having a voice to refute the employer's version of the story even though the story was flawed and lopsided. It is in putting up with indignity because of the mouths to feed at home.

Why are all these atrocities committed with nary a night's lost sleep? Why do bullies thrive whereas the weak just suffers in silent desolation? Matthew 7:12 is my one of my favourite verses but does it have a place in our lives today?

The visual of the lone tear snaking its way down the teacher's cheek and the echos of stifled sobs will forever be etched in my mind as a stark reminder of this arrogant, proud and narcissistic world we live in.