humility
John 12:24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
1 Peter 5:5-7 all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Our heavenly father knows that losing our lives and taking up an attitude of humility toward our neighbors can be anxiety-provoking for us. As much as we want to be a light and a joy to Him and others, there is something embedded in humans that drives us to self-preservation. Jesus is calling us to follow in His foot-steps. He never lived for Himself, though He was equal with God, but He denied Himself. In humility He put others and especially God before His own will or self-interest. He was obedient even unto death. But His death occurred long before the cross. The death He's referring to here goes much deeper than the physical.
God wants me to put off my self-interest and my own will for my life, and to clothe myself in humility to walk in His will. This will benefit God and it will benefit others, and in that is true fulfillment.
Lord, with everything going on in our church body, I have been filled with such a deep and pure love for the people around me. In the purity of Your Spirit I want to walk in Your footsteps, loving others and humbling myself. Please lead me in this way, I repent of my self-interest. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness, and the power of Christ in me. Amen
Created over 2 years ago
