Practicing Humility
Scripture – Luke 7:24-28: 24After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 28I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
Reflection: One of the key aspects of Christian character is humility. At the same time, it’s one of the hardest aspects to develop. Once I become aware of humility, it’s gone. I slip into being proud of how humble I am.
Given that, I can practice humble behavior. John the Baptist, for example, was always clear with people that he was not the Christ. His role was only to prepare the way for Him.
I can practice by not insisting on my own way or by not taking credit for an idea. I can let other people go before me. I can serve people without asking for or expecting a reward.
How can you practice being humble today? Remember, the goal is not to become the ”least in the kingdom of God.” The goal is to humbly serve as Christ would have me serve.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, February 22
Scripture – Luke 7:29-35: 29(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.) 31“To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ 33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”’ 35But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
Reflection: One of the key aspects of Christian character is humility. At the same time, it’s one of the hardest aspects to develop. Once I become aware of humility, it’s gone. I slip into being proud of how humble I am.
Given that, I can practice humble behavior. John the Baptist, for example, was always clear with people that he was not the Christ. His role was only to prepare the way for Him.
I can practice by not insisting on my own way or by not taking credit for an idea. I can let other people go before me. I can serve people without asking for or expecting a reward.
How can you practice being humble today? Remember, the goal is not to become the ”least in the kingdom of God.” The goal is to humbly serve as Christ would have me serve.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, February 22
Scripture – Luke 7:29-35: 29(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.) 31“To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ 33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”’ 35But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
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