2020 Daily Devotions - Day 238

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Andrew Murray put it this way, “Many Christians fear and flee and seek deliverance from all that would humble them. At times they may pray for humility but in their heart of hearts, they pray even more to be kept from the things that would bring them to that place.”
Humility results in a life of dying to self which produces radical obedience and reckless abandon.

Jesus was humble and “obedient unto death”.

In my experience, humility and dying to self are some of the most difficult, and yet essential, of spiritual disciplines. Many people struggle in life because they refuse to humble themselves. However, those who work at humility find rich rewards. Their families are better for it. Their place of work is more functional. Their church is made stronger by it.

During these days, we can learn to develop the spiritual traits of humility and dying to self. So much of this period is about having to do some things we do not really want to do. Our lifestyles have been substantially changed. In fact, succeeding in this environment requires learning humility and obedience. Jesus is our example in both word and deed. Here is what Jesus taught on this subject:

Luke 14:11 ESV
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, right now we are in the laboratory of spiritual development. Being forced to live our lives differently from what we are used to, can teach us a great deal. Help us to approach this learning experience with humility and obedience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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