''Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).''
Self-exaltation is never a good idea. Professional wrestling storylines are filled with stories of people believing they are the best in the world, only to be humbled by an "unexpected" loss. Professional wrestling is definitely one of those sports where self-exaltation is appreciated and encouraged. However, professional wrestlers also find themselves more often among those battling depression, substance abuse and rage than other athletes. They wind up humbled by the very weaknesses they try to cover up.
Humility is the virtue Jesus praises more often than any other. It is the virtue that underlies the faith of the centurion in Capernaum (Matthew 8:5-13) and the Canaanite woman who wanted nothing more than the crumbs (Matthew 15:21-28) that fell from the Bread of Life (John 6). Jesus would rather hear prayers from the humble, saying, "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner," than He would an arrogant prayer from someone wanting to tell Jesus just how blessed '''HE''' should feel for having a follower like him (Luke 18:9-14).
Humility will be rewarded in Heaven. Humility is what helps the faithful persevere in the face of persecution. Humility is what is rewarded when those who have been faithful unto death receive the crown of life from their Savior.
Jesus isn't looking for arrogant, hot-headed professional wrestlers for His kingdom. There are certainly many Christians in the professional wrestling industry. But Jesus wants warriors in His army that are humbled by their sins and their need for a Savior. Being humbled by salvation, they are able to battle more effectively because they see their lives being exalted by Christ through their humility. Amen.
