Miss Madelyn and I will be ringing the bell in the mall for the Salvation Army tonight, a tradition for our family during the Christmas season. But there's more in our reason for ringing the bell than tradition, we want to be a part of what Salvation Army does, helping the poor based on the message of hope, making a difference, small as it may seem, in this world, believing freedom from oppression in this world comes through Christ, humbled to be a part of something God is doing. The things is . . most of us in the Western world feel we are entitled . . . rather than being humbled by the gift of living the day.
The word, humble, is a rare word.
Consider what James wrote:
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor (James 4:7-10, NLT).
How we live is on us, either on our own terms or through the way God directs us, humbled by God's presence and power, grateful to be alive.Let's face it, most of us have experienced life both ways. We have a responsibility of how we live the day, which requires a humble mindset and spirit. James 4 says it plainly, "Humble yourselves before God." A simple definition of humble includes the words, respect and surrender. In other words, we are to respect God as God, surrendering to the Spirit's direction, refusing to be divided by believing God's way but not living it out, turning away from the darkness of sin, falling to our knees in utter humility, grateful for each moment of life in Christ.
Live humbly.
Respect God.
Surrender all to God.
Be grateful for the gift of the day.
Learning to Kickstart the day humbly,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)