Day 20- Humility
Author: Vincent Smith
"He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'" — Luke 18:13
Exodus 4:10-16; Luke 18:13-14, Philippians 2:5-11
Today’s society is antagonistic to humility. A humble person is misunderstood and viewed as a doormat– someone who lets others step all over them. Society would rather us think more of ourselves. But we are innately selfish and ever-increasing our love of self will, slowly pushing God aside. Just as important, since humility is often confused with weakness, the prideful tend to be unforgiving towards others who have wronged them.
Humility takes all the power of self and places it in the hands of God. In Exodus, God takes hold of Moses’ weakness (his ability to speak) and gives him strength to boldly speak to Pharaoh (Exodus 4:10-16). In Luke, the humble tax collector throws himself on God’s mercy when he says, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13-14). Most important, the Son of God takes on the form of a humble servant and dies in our place (Philippians 2:5-11).
Directed by God’s love, people who are humble in spirit invest themselves in what the world thinks is weakness. Christ’s power strengthens us to love God above all and our neighbors as ourselves. In sharing the good news of God’s love and helping others in need, we have “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:15-16).
The world looks down on humility. But Jesus’ humility has overcome the world, to the glory of God the Father.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help me to have Your mind alive in us daily so that Your love and power will guide us in all we do and say. Give us the strength to humble ourselves in Your sight and to minister to those that you bring into our lives. Amen.