Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 25, 2013
Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:7-9
It brings a leader to his knees when he recognizes his authority and position were given to him by Almighty God. Yes, power in the hands of a humble heart has the potential for extreme good. The possibilities for spiritual revival, medical aid, political integrity, nutritional support, durable homes, orphan care, disability help and widow ministry are endless when the most powerful leverage their power for the powerless. Goodness governs for the good of the whole.
Like Solomon, am I transparent in my need for God’s wisdom? Do I see myself as a “little child” dependent on my Heavenly Father for direction on earth? Power is not a pedestal to stand on, a partition to hide behind or a prod to drive people. Humble power is an opportunity to serve those at their point of need, so they can be everything God has called them to be. Thus, we seek the Lord for a discerning heart that can help us and friends distinguish between right and wrong.
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. Genesis 41:39
How does your Heavenly Father want you to use your position of influence for the good of the whole? How do you express to the Lord your need for wisdom and discernment? Indeed, your humility is a magnet for respect. Those you influence admire your integrity and want to emulate your values into their everyday life. Stay on your knees and they will follow you with their feet.
If ingested into your soul, power can be a poison that kills off relations with God and man. However, as you give away power it loses its allure and control. Humility is kryptonite for the deadly powers of power. It softens your heart and sobers your mind. Humble power does not take itself too seriously. Humility gives you confidence in Christ, but pride gives you confidence in yourself. Remember God gives you opportunities to use your humble power for His glory!
Who [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing. Philippians 2:6-7
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use me as a conduit of Your power for Your people and for Your glory.
Related Readings: Jeremiah 1:6; 2 Samuel 14:17; James 1:5; 2 Corinthians 2:16
Post/Tweet today: Humility gives us confidence in Christ, but pride gives us confidence in ourselves. #humblepower
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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I am challenged in reading this today, not just for myself, which I need reminding, but also for setting a standard for those I choose to follow. Leaders who are humble followers will be leaders who humbley lead others. I am encouraged to read Wisdom Hunters for several reasons one of which is the humility I sense from the author who follows Christ and remains a Proverbs 9:9 wise learner.