By Dr. Bill Bright
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“For Everyone who tries to honor himself shall be humbled: and he who humbles himself shall be honored” Luke 14:11
At times I am respectfully amused at the repetition of certain themes in the Word of God – repeated over and over again so that you and I will not forget the importance of the message. This is one of those principles.
Many missionaries have given up honor, acclaim, and success at home in obedience to God’s call upon their lives. Perhaps to their surprise, God has honored them in many ways despite the fact that they purposely gave up all rights to such honor.
In every field of endeavor, the principle is true. Most men who seek genuine acclaim are thoroughly humbled along the way. Conversely, most people who humble themselves as a part of their commitment to Jesus Christ and His service are eventually honored.
I have seen this truth fulfilled on numerous occasions in the work of Campus Crusade for Christ to which the Lord has called me. Many young people have stepped into unsung roles of service for their Master. God has honored them not only with fruit for their hire, but also with a measure of acclaim they never would have achieved otherwise.
It is part of God’s plan to abase the proud and raise up the humble. Our goal should be committed service for the Savior. We should let Him take care of the honoring and the humbling.
Bible Reading: Matthew 23:5-12
Today’s Action Point: I’ll recognize anew today that the only good thing about me – and about any believer – is the reality of my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through the indwelling person of the Holy Spirit.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/01/19/bb_humble/
Humility and respect appear to be so sadly lacking in large areas of Western society/culture. The egoistic promotion of self breeds a very unhealthy element of disrespect. I see it so much in the Church – in every denomination and tradition. Where has the simple and humble life of the Christian saint gone? What Mariza says in her middle paragraph is so true – but how do we bring people – not least the people of God – back to a level of sincere humility and respect? All the time I see bishops and pastors enjoying the trappings of life on a pedestal – our spiritual leaders who should be showing us the way to humility, respect and of course, love. Is this the New Jerusalem? It isn’t difficult to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, observe, and weep over Jerusalem.
Pastor Graham
How is it that we human being, are always thirsty for self recognition, applause and praises? I am also struggling in this area of my life.
No matter how hard I do, the” self-centered me” will always emerge even if I am conscious about it.
Holy Spirit, please help us with the process of our thoughts. I cannot trust the process of my thoughts that comes out from my mouth and into action.