Your Daily Devotional for December 7, 2007

 

December 7,  2007

 

 

Humility Coming to Humanity

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

 

Luke 2:6–7

 

 

Going against the expectations of many, Jesus Christ did not make a grand entrance into this world; He came in humility. Instead of being wrapped in the finest materials, Mary wrapped Him in swaddling clothes. Mary and Joseph found a manger—a trough for animals—where baby Jesus could sleep. Our King of kings and Lord of lords entered humanity clothed in humility.

 

Following in the footsteps of Christ begins with living a life of humility. Samuel Morse, a famous inventor, was once asked if he ever encountered situations where he didn't know what to do. Morse responded, "More than once, and whenever I could not see my way clearly, I knelt down and prayed to God for light and understanding."

 

Morse received many honors from his invention of the telegraph but felt undeserving: "I have made a valuable application of electricity not because I was superior to other men but solely because God, who meant it for mankind, must reveal it to someone and He was pleased to reveal it to me."

 

According to Matthew 23:12, "…he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Samuel Morse responded humbly when praised for his invention. Jesus Christ "…humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."—Philippians 2:8. As you conclude this devotion, meditate over the below comparison between a humble mind and a proud mind. Take inventory of your thoughts, and ask for the Holy Spirit's strength to help conform you into the image of God's Son—the Christ-child who was clothed in humility.  

 

A Proud Mind

God gave me great abilities, and I know how they can best be used.

I doubt God by wondering why others are preferred or blessed before me.

I accept praise for a job well done.

I never ask for help. Instead I find a way to do a project on my own, even if this means with the wrong spirit, wrong heart, or wrong motive.

I am aggressive, arrogant, boastful, and vain.

I say, "Me first."

I welcome anger and bring up the past.

I wonder when God is going to bless me next.

"God resisteth the proud,"—1 Peter 5:5

 

A Humble Mind                                               

I know greatness is not in me, it is Christ working through me.

I praise God when others are preferred or blessed before me.

I accept responsibility for my mistakes and deflect any praise of success to my Lord.

I ask for help when I know I cannot do a project on my own.

I am courteous and respectful of others no matter their position in life.

I say, "No, you first, my friend."

I dissipate anger and heal old wounds.

I look for ways to bless others.

"God…giveth grace to the humble."—1 Peter 5:5

Daily Bible Reading

Daniel 5-7 • 2 John

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