March 3

Humble Pie

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11).

Scripture: Luke 14:7-14

Song: “Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord”

Teresa of Calcutta helped the poor, sick, and dying in the poorest parts of India. She kept a humility list. One item on it says, “Do not seek to be admired and loved.” In a world so focused on being noticed and admired, I appreciate her simple words.

I love most any pie. But I don’t like “humble pie,” being forced to acknowledge my errors, often under embarrassing conditions. Admittedly, humility seems out of fashion in today’s world. It’s also often misunderstood. True humility is grounded in the character of Christ. It’s having a lowly heart, being teachable and willing to serve. False humility is thinking poorly of oneself or having low self esteem. The other end of false humility is pride, which is thinking too highly of oneself. The parable in Luke 14 reminds us that those who seek honor and exalt themselves will be humbled. When God brings us low due to pride, it is not to punish us, but rather to restore us.

Dear friend, God blesses the humble. When we prefer others, serve without complaint, accept hardship, and seek the admiration of God above all else we open the door for blessing! We can live like our Lord who humbled Himself by serving (Philippians 2:7).

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me how to walk in humility. Less of me, more of You. That is my desire! In Your name I pray, amen.