“And she [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” —Luke 2:7
Picture it. Young Mary and Joseph, giving birth for the first time, away from home, likely alone, laying their brand-new baby in an animal’s feeding trough. This is a rough way for any child to enter the world, let alone the God of creation.
From this lowly beginning, to the end of His earthly life, Jesus modeled humility: riding into Jerusalem on a donkey; washing His disciples’ feet; subjecting Himself to betrayal, torture and a cruel death; buried in a borrowed grave.
Our sinful nature makes it difficult for us to act out of humility. But Jesus teaches us that God’s way of reconciling the world to Himself is through humility and surrender.
Developing a modest view of one’s own importance is key in remaining effective and devoted to the often slow-going work of frontier mission. Humility recognizes our position in relation to God. It allows us to admit that we don’t have all the answers and invites us to follow the lead of God’s Spirit.
For people who don’t yet know Jesus, what might our humility communicate to them about the One we claim loves them so much? Amazing things can happen when we extend ourselves in humility: hearts open, ears hear and lives are transformed.
Examine your heart today, reflecting on how you might approach others with the news of Jesus, not with answers or instruction, but with humility and authentic love.
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