Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 13, 2015
Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3
Humility is illusive. There are moments (more so in prayer) my soul seems submissive to the Spirit. But as I interact with people—I forget to pray in the moment. I quickly dismiss the Spirit’s restraint and react with pride. Yes, real humility means I have a lower estimation of my own importance. God and others are of uppermost importance. It’s not about me, it’s about them. When I focus on myself I invite pride to reside in my soul. When I focus on others I invite humility to be at home in my soul. Whose address will I ask the Spirit to stamp on the invitation of my soul?
Moses was a reluctant leader. He really believed his brother Aaron was better qualified. Yet, God chose Moses to lead because of his humility. A humble heart is the first qualification of a godly leader. Upon this foundation of teachability the Lord develops a life of character. Moses was not the leader he wanted to be, but his humility positioned him to grow into the leader he would become. Moses was distrustful of himself and desperate for divine guidance. Humility trusts the Lord to accomplish what needs to get done. A humble person truly hungers for God.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me [Jesus], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
How do you approach the tension between pride and humility in your heart? It is a tension that will never go away until you get to heaven. If you try to manage pride—it will manage you. One simple strategy is unconditional capitulation to Christ. 100% total surrender to your Savior promotes humility over pride. You can’t, but He can. You can’t handle pride, but He can. You can’t deal with criticism, but He can. You can’t control people, but He can. The fruit of humility is grace. The fruit of pride is defensiveness. The harvest of humility is a lifetime of character.
Furthermore, what is the evidence of humility in our lives? Instead of taking credit for good things, we deflect credit to God and others. When something bad happens, we take responsibility. Humility makes the care of others a priority. When situations are stressful—the humble person is extra patient. Moreover, humility recognizes any accomplishments in life are the result of God’s favor and the help of people. We share successes small and large with those who sacrificed for the cause. Humility is radically generous. Gratitude gushes out of a person with a humble heart.
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” (Psalm 116:7).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, grow a heart of humility within me, so the fruit of character flourishes.
Related Readings: Matthew 16:24; John 13:15; Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6
Post/Tweet this today: Humility recognizes any accomplishments in life are the result of God’s favor and the help of people. #ahumbleperson #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Danielle Rose: Litany of Humility
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I like what C.S. Lewis said about humility: Humility is ‘not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.’ Thanks for your insight Boyd.
Dear Steve~
Thank you for sharing that reminder of C.S. thoughts on humility. In this world of self, I welcome the wisdom we need to hear about the gift of humility.
I will pass on your kinds words of thanks to Boyd.
We appreciate you taking the time to reach out. Please know that we look forward to hearing from you again.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”
Psalm 18:19
I really enjoyed this devotional! My favorite part is when you say: “Moses was not the leader he wanted to be, but his humility positioned him to grow into the leader he would become. … Humility trusts the Lord to accomplish what needs to get done.”
Before taking the leap to lead my first Bible Study group at church based on my book Courage Under Fire about my cancer experience, I have to say I had feelings of inadequacy. Now I can say that it was such a great experience, that I kept on leading Bible Study small groups.
Definitely, when we humble ourselves to the Spirit leading, God accomplishes what needs to get done!
Dear Yilda~
Thank you so much for reaching out to to us with your thoughts about humility. I would love to know more about your book, “Courage Under Fire” and your testimony as you battled cancer. When you get some time, could you email me at gwynne@wisdomhunters.com with more of your story. Thank you!
So thankful that God gave you the courage to shake free of those feelings of inadequacy and lead your small group!
“Fear Not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name;
you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
And I am thankful that you are still leading groups. I can only imagine what a blessing you are to others ~ shining His light!!
You summed it up beautifully when you said “Definitely, when we humble ourselves to the Spirit leading, God accomplishes what needs to be done!” Thank you, Yilda, for that reminder.
We are so thankful for you and look forward to hearing from you again.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
P.S. Yilda, if you didn’t already, please check out Danielle Rose’s “Litany to Humility”. The link is at the bottom of the devotional. It is awesome!