Day 32 – Issue 21

Be Still Know

Luke 18:14 NLT

‘For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

There is a deep-rooted fascination in storytelling down the ages that presents a ‘nobody’ emerging as a hero. Something within us demands the emergence of the underdog and is instinctively suspicious of those exercising power, however competently. Luke describes a tax collector, distrusted and hated by those who considered him a traitor and a thief, who assumed God had no time for him. Yet, in his heart he yearned for God’s love and acceptance. Little did he know that he was the apple of God’s eye.

Like the tax collector, I can consider myself a failure. Professing to be a Christian I can be haunted by my past assertions, many with the privilege of a pulpit behind them. I regret much of what I said. Much like the Pharisee, I would descend from the pulpit to bask in what I imagined was God’s pleasure, and neither noticed nor offered any form of hospitality to the least.

Pride is a sin that creeps up slowly, like an incoming tide, and before I could react I was drowning in self-promotion. This tax collector had the right approach. His perspective of himself may have been low end, yet his appreciation of God was spot on. He knew he was no one without God.

I have learned that it is not in demonstrating in public forums that I am God’s friend, but in the private spaces of prayer and practical service that I live out the reality of such friendship. I am just one among the many whom God befriends. I do not need God’s constant approval or presence. I simply choose to live within God’s boundaries as I recognise and celebrate the privilege of being known and accepted by God. Each evening as I close my day with a brief prayer, I am at peace realising that I am God’s child. That’s enough for me; I am content.

QUESTION: Are you actions inspired by love of God or self-promotion?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me, a sinner.