Daily Devotional for March 16, 2023

Yesterday, I taught a Bible study for the Dorcus Circle Methodist Women’s Group.  The subject was humility.

As I sat there talking to these women, who are some of the finest people I have ever met, I began by asking, “Who in this room has ever thought you were somebody important?”

Much to my surprise, Carol and I were the only two to raise our hands.  But the truth is, I know Carol.  She’s a true saint.  She was only raising her hand so I wouldn’t feel alone.

If you, like me, have ever thought you were somebody important, stop it.  You are better than that.

We live in a broken, fallen world that ranks and categorizes everyone based on education level, financial success, titles, looks, skin color, gender, what car we drive, where we live, our position in the business community, our political clout, preaching the greatest sermons in the history of sermons, the list goes on and on….

If we aren’t always careful and intentional about seeing ourselves for who we really are, excelling in any of those areas can contribute to an exaggerated sense of self-worth.  This is not the way for those who follow Jesus Christ.  The path we take is humility.

This is what Paul meant by saying, “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus:
Though he was in the form of God,
        he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.
 But he emptied himself
        by taking the form of a slave
        and by becoming like human beings.
When he found himself in the form of a human,
         he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,
        even death on a cross.”  (Philippians 2:3-8)

So, if you ever fall into the deathly trap of thinking you are someone important, just remember, the only thing that gives you true value is God’s love for you.  Everything else is really a moot point.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I am tempted to think my accomplishments make me important, make me humble.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

God is not impressed with our money, titles, education, or other accomplishments.  God is impressed with those who put aside pride, ego, and arrogance for humility, service, and devotion.

In those moments when you think you are somebody, know you have just sunk to my level.  That’s not good.  You can do better.  Trust me.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins