Toy Stories: Ken — Servant vs. Selfish - Thursday
Today’s Verse
Matthew 20:26-27
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave...” (ESV)
This past Tuesday, our men’s group wrapped up another iteration of what we call “Tribe of Mentors.” During the summer or fall, we choose a book of the Bible to study, then invite different leaders within the church to facilitate a discussion on a selected passage each week.
Here’s what I appreciate the most about the men who offer their time to invest in us: They don’t show up flexing their capital, charisma, competency, or credentials. Instead, they choose to lead with an intangible attribute: their character. More specifically, these men exude humility.
Which is a great reminder: If humility is the Kingdom virtue, then pride is the cultural vice. Maybe there’s a reason the Bible has so much to say about pride. If you need a quick reference, just check out how many times it’s mentioned in the book of Proverbs.
One of the more sobering verses for me is found in the New Testament, where it says God is opposed to the proud (James 4:6). The word “oppose” is this idea of a military platoon in battle formation, ready to attack or resist. Not sure about you, but I think I’d rather be for God rather than against Him.
So how does this play out practically? We can choose humility, or we can be humbled. Speaking from personal experience, the former is a lot less humiliating. As one of my mentors put it: “You can never have enough humility.” Which will we choose?
The ultimate example of what this looks like is demonstrated by Jesus (Philippians 2:7-8). In humility, Jesus set aside His honor for our shame. In humility, Jesus exchanged His crown for a cross. In humility, Jesus traded His righteousness for our sin. What’s the significance of this?
The Son of God became the Son of Man so that we could become sons and daughters of God. If this is the example the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords has set for us, it has profound implications for our lives and should leave little room for pride to run rampant.
APPLICATION
Sit down with a trusted family member or friend this week and ask the following question: “Where am I blind to my own pride?” Receive their response with humility.
PRAYER
Father, Your Word says pride comes before the fall, but it also says You give grace to those who humble themselves. Thank You for Your grace when I’ve chosen humility, and thank You for Your mercy when I’ve been blinded by my pride.