I’m thinking this morning of what I will call “attention grabbers.” We can call them by another name: “horn tooters.” You know the kind. They do all they can-“humbly” of course- to gain attention.
There are several thoughts that my mind wants to pursue today as I think about this. I’ll just give you my “seed thoughts” and then maybe you can pursue them on our own.
- The very first verse which comes to mind is Galatians 6:14- “As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NLT) I really have nothing of which to boast. As I make much of God, I make less of me. That sounds like shades of John 3:30.
- “Pride goes before a fall.” (Pr.16:18) Be careful of getting too big for your britches. Britches that sag are tripping hazards. (I still wonder how some of those dudes can walk with their britches sagging to the crotches).
- Jesus chose to reveal Himself to the humble not the proud. I read this morning about His encounter with the man born blind. Check out John 9:39 for a reference. Those who think they see are blind, while those who realize their blindness will see clearly.
- “Don’t let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.” (Mt.6:3) There is no value in tooting your own horn. A gift given is best kept secret.
It is good to lend a hand to another, to further the kingdom by our actions, but it is best done with no accolades. God sees and that is all that is needed. No bright light needs to be shined down. The only light which needs shined is the one on Jesus.
“Father, let Your light shine down on You not me. May I never boast, may I never take credit, except in the cross.”
In many ways, Humility I think is acquired with age, at least for some. When I was young and proud, the proverbial fish was always bigger than reality. I think the mistakes made and the battle-scars of life tend to level whatever achievements we have made. Inevitably, we will encounter others who has overcome, achieved, given, served, prayed, etc… more than we have. Even with that said, I should not be boasting anyway… even if at the top of the percentile. I am pretty sure Jesus’ achievement far outweighs anything any of us have done or will do… COMBINED!
You say it well Ryan. I know it took me a long time to learn humility and I know it is still a battle occasionally for me. But it shouldn’t be since Jesus is so much greater. But that old man of mine keeps kicking his heels.
Let’s take our eyes off of ourselves, not valuing the praise of man, but doing everything that would be pleasing to God.
Guessing the surgery went well?
Blessings, Bill!
We need to have an eye examination for sure Martha. I will answer tomorrow on this blog. As you already know there is one my other blog.