Headed for A fall
Scripture: For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:14b (NIV) Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.
Every child at some time in their life has played with building blocks. One thing that I remember very well is that I used to enter into a contest with another child to see who could build the tallest tower.
• I go to church every Sunday
• I read my Bible regularly
• I give an offering in Sunday School every week
• I am kind to other people
• I say my prayers before I go to bed at night
• I obey my parents
• I make my bed and keep my room clean
• I share my toys with my friends
• I hold the door open for other people
• I never talk about my friends behind their back
Jesus taught his disciples that whenever people boast and brag about the great things that they do, they are headed for a fall! He old about two men who went to the temple. One of the men bragged about all of the great things he did and thanked God that he wasn't like those other sinners in the temple. The other man, instead of bragging about how great he was, humbly asked God to forgive him for all of the times he failed to be the kind of person that God wanted him to be.
Jesus was not the least bit impressed with all of the boasting of the first man. Most of the things he did, he did to impress other people. Jesus said that we should be humble -- like the second man. After all, when we compare our goodness to the goodness of Jesus, it just doesn't stack up, does it?
Heavenly Father, help us to remember that when we build our life upon our own goodness, we are headed for a fall. Instead, let us put our trust in your righteousness, for then we will find favor in your sight. In Jesus' name we pray, amen
