Humility

I was going to share another thought this morning but two separate devotional readings reminded me of the need to live in a spirit of humility if I am going to progress in the Kingdom of God. Matthew 18:4, "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (NKJV). It is easy to presume that we are humble yet our lives can become full of pride, arrogance, independence and self-sufficiency. I must constantly resist that temptation and ask God to help me maintain an attitude of child-like humility. We must remember that there is a great difference between childlessness and child-like humility. I remember that difference as we raised our two sons and watched them reach deeper levels of maturity. But I also enjoyed those times that their child-like humility sought to bring joy and pleasure to our lives. I remember them bouncing into the room with a broad smile on their face because they had accomplished a task that they felt would bring smiles to our faces. How long has it been since we brought a "smile" to God's face because of some random act of kindness? How long has it been since we brought a "smile" to God's face because we "bounced" into church with joy, praise, adoration, and thanksgiving flowing from our hearts? No one had to force us to praise as a matter of fact we were disappointed when the music and songs came to an end. I feel that God desires to remind us of the need to examine our state of humility and realize that God takes pleasure over us and He is blessed by our recognition of the fact that our strength and hope comes from Him. Take opportunity today to bring a smile to God's face. The first night of the District Meeting in Greenville went very well. The second invitation of the Spirit proved to be one in which the ministering power of the Holy Spirit was released in a special way. Many of us are facing strong winds of adversity at this present time but in the midst of them all God is at work in your life. Be encouraged in Christ today!