Colossians 3:11-14: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Meditation: Humility is a hallmark trait of a Christian God uses. In order to be humble we need to put on humbleness of mind. This is to lower ourselves in importance or in rank. In turn we are to elevate others or as Phil. 2:3 says, “esteem others better than ourselves.”
The Pharisees demonstrated the opposite as is vividly taught in the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector in Luke 18:9-14:
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
The Pharisee was lifted up in pride, however, the publican put on humbleness of mind. The publican would have left that prayer meeting in a position to be used by God.
Remember the title the Apostle Paul gave to himself? He called himself the chief of sinners. This humbleness of mind allowed Paul to be greatly used by God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to put others above ourselves in importance. Help us to lower ourselves so we can be used by you. Amen.
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