Humble Pie: A Title-Less Church — Thursday
John 13:13-15
“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (NLT)
Martin Luther said, “God created the world out of nothing, and as long as we are nothing, He can make something out of us.” Maybe becoming nothing is a strong phrase for you? Or maybe it’s exactly what you need to hear? As we mentioned earlier this week, humility, learning, and spiritual growth are inseparably linked.
We are most open to growth when we realize how little we know. What will it take to bring us to a place of learning humbly? Will it be the shock of news for which we were not prepared? Maybe the pain of a grief that reveals we are not really in control? Is there any way other than difficult circumstances to travel to the low places of learning humbly? The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control” (Psalm 32:8-9, NLT). Clearly we have the option to follow willingly. But God is faithful to shape our character, even in ways that might sting a bit—and He will not give up on us.
In fact, Jesus is willing to lead the way. I love the way His invitation is expressed in Matthew 11:28-30 (in every translation of the Bible, but especially in The Message translation)... He says, “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Freely, lightly. Effortlessly, with ease. That’s how I want to live life. As we do this, Jesus will be seen in us and through us without having to try hard to make it happen. And we will have a greater tendency to notice Him at work within and around us as well.
Thursday’s Reflection
Do you want to discover how to learn humbly, recognizing and accepting the opportunities to follow His best pathway for our lives? Do you avoid experiences that make you feel weak, ignorant, or uncomfortable? Pray and ask God to work on your heart; then, watch for a pathway you can move toward this week to help you stretch or grow in humility.
