humility | Daily Encouragement | Page 13

Tag Archives: humility

Leave a comment

Uncategorized

“In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.” (Ruth 1:1, NIV)

The great works of God — whether in us, with us, or through us — begin in the most humble and common of circumstances.

The story of Ruth and Naomi and their persistent faith, loyalty, and humility began with the compelling — but utterly common — circumstance of famine, and a humble family’s sojourn to a foreign land for the purpose of surviving the famine.

Be utterly faithful to Him in even the most boring of times; and look for Him in the commonplace. We often miss experiencing God because He appears to us in rags when we expect Him only in robes. Whether in rags or in robes, God is God. Be vigilant in all circumstances! – Luther

Tagged faithfulness, humility, Naomi, Ruth, the book of Ruth

Leave a comment

Uncategorized

“A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.'” (Luke 22:24-26, NIV)

The disciples were acting out of their corrupted nature (which, as people, we all share). This nature aspires to be the greatest of all. This nature desires to be the first of all. This nature expects to be served by all.

The correct attitude, according to Jesus, is to be as He was: The least of all. The last of all. The servant of all.

Because of what Jesus has done for all of us through His death on the cross, and through His resurrection from the dead; His summons to servitude is validated for all time and for all people. Our corrupted, natural ambitions assure nothing but strife, but our obedience to Jesus assures us life in all of its fullness. – Luther

Tagged Holy Week, humility, servitude, the book of Luke

Leave a comment

Uncategorized

“People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.” (Proverbs 10:17, NLT)

We, who have lived more than half of our allotted years, are at heightened risk of “going astray” in two basic ways: (1) Because we’ve “seen it all,” we are less open to a corrective word from someone else, especially if they are younger or less experienced than we; and (2) people who can help may be put-off when we don’t appear approachable or teachable.

Truth is truth, whether from the lips of an angel or from the mouth of a jackass (that is, the jackass of Numbers 22); and help is help, whether from a brother or from a stranger.

Work at being open to God’s discipline and His words of correction. The Lord uses many personalities, agents, and circumstances to guide His people in the way that leads to life! – Luther

Tagged discipline, humility, the book of Proverbs, truth