Chasing Rabbits After Easter (Lesson on Humility)

The Sunday after Easter, for most of us in pastoral ministry, can be a "humbling experience".  If there is no, or little follow up, on our guest from the previous weekend it is most likely that we will have "little or no return". Ouch! That was painful to say.

But hopefully you have managed to follow up, or implement some follow up, on the guest that visited your church last weekend. I am pretty confident that if you intentional follow-up, then visitors will return within the next few weeks.

Now that I chased that rabbit, let's get back to the lesson on humility.

The Bible verse that stood out in my devotions this week is found in Matthew 23:11,12 NLT,

"The greatest among you must be a servant, But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." 

In our Bible verses for today, Jesus give us two options. One is to exalt ourselves, and we will be humbled. The other is to humble ourselves, and we will be exalted. I had rather leave the exalting to God then myself. In a lifetime this is what I've learned about "Humility".

Humility Is A Trait of Spiritual Maturity

Humility is not an absolute. The Apostle Paul stated, "I am what I am by the grace of God." The Holy Spirit can produce the kind of fruit in our lives if we are willing.

Humility Is A Daily Discipline

Humility does not come naturally. There is an inner struggle within all of us to be prideful. However, through our spiritual exercise of being reminded daily of His goodness, we can stay humble.

Humility Is A Benefit

To be successful in what I do depends on my willingness to be humble. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:5 NLT "God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth." That sounds pretty successful to me!

"The dictionary defines humble as 'not proud or arrogant; modest; to be humble although successful." (Peter Wagner) 

I remember, as a child, one of the first lessons I learned about humility. To this day, I am reminded of this lesson when I begin to lack humility. As it was said about Moses, may it be said about all of us, 

"Now Moses was very humble-more humble than any other person on earth (Numbers 12:3 NLT)."

Prayer:  Lord help me to discipline myself in this Christian journey to stay humble, that you may help me to be successful in all that I do for You."

Blessings,
Tim Lamb