Look Down Your Nose

There is an expression, “look down your nose” at others.  The thought is that individuals see themselves as more sophisticated, more intellectual, in better physical condition, having more money, of a better social status, or in more self control of their lives and situations – therefore they look down, in a condescending way, upon others who do not have these well defined attributes and reject them because of their perceived inferior nature.
Interestingly God also looked down upon mankind.  “For He looked down from the height of His sanctuary; From heaven the Lord viewed the earth.  To hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those appointed to death, to declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem.” (Psalms 102:19 -21)   From His position of great ability, intelligence, amount of resources, Godly status and control He looked upon the world and the people therein.  But there was a difference, instead of having a haughty or arrogant attitude, God wanted to step down and into the situation to help.  Where self control in ourselves would cause us to be lifted up in pride, His self control freed him to serve and to identify with the struggling.  His self control did not lead Him to condemn the world around Him or to isolate Himself in disgust of their immorality; rather, it allowed Him to walk to His death for the sake of all.
God is calling us to be like Him.(1 John 3:2)  Yes we are to be looking down from our positions of ability, wisdom, strength and resources.  We are to look, not in disgust or contempt, or arrogance, but seeing needs and helping to alleviate those needs.
Lord Jesus, help us to see the difference between us and the world around us, and then to help to bring positive change to the lives of others.  Forgive us for the times we have had a haughty arrogance towards others, help us to see people as You see them, for they are precious and valuable.