Today’s Readings:
Philippians 3:3-8
Psalm 105:2-7
Luke 15:1-10
When you run away from a fight with someone who is stronger than you, you are not being humble; you are simply scared. People presume that humility means avoiding conflict. It is deeper than that. Humility is knowing yourself, acknowledging your strength and choosing not to engage with someone weaker than yourself. It also involves using your strength for service. This is because people ordinarily want to show their strength and prove themselves; very few think of how their strength and skill-set can make others better.
Saint Paul tells the Philippians that he has reasons to brag but has refused to do so. He a circumcised Jew and a Pharisee. In the eyes of the Jewish law, he is perfect. But the privileges of Judaism mean nothing to Him in comparison to the knowledge of Christ. In order words, if you must brag about anything, let it be about your closeness to God. Sadly, this is the only thing we are least vocal about. We brag about our physical endowments, our financial status, our popularity and family heritage but we forget the pedestal on which they all rest—God who is the foundation of all of reality. Set high standards for yourself. Acquire the good things of life. Build yourself physically, mentally and spiritually to enviable heights. Be so knowledgeable about what you are passionate about that your proficiency and passion speak for themselves. But then choose to use them to serve others and do so in humility. Imitate Christ who chose to seek the lost sheep instead of pampering the 99 that are safe. This is the truest show of strength. Pettiness inflates our ego and leads us to trample others who are less than ourselves.
1 Peter 4:10-11 — Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these different graces of God, put yourselves at the service of others. If you are a speaker, speak in words which seem to come from God; if you are a helper, help as though every action was done at God’s orders; so that in everything God may receive the glory, through Jesus Christ, since to him alone belong all glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, I am grateful for the gift You have given me.
Lord, help me to develop my gifts to perfection.
Lord, help me to build and treasure my relationship with You.
Lord, move my heart to seek You and my will to serve You.
Lord, teach me respect and reverence for Your creatures.
Lord, let my life and my work be of service to my neighbour.
Lord, let every day lead me closer to You. Amen.
You're built for greatness; you're destined for glory. You shall overcome every obstacle thrown in the path of your success, you shall conquer every setback and misfortune. Stay humble, serve others with respect and seek peace with everyone. God bless you always in Jesus' name. Amen.
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