Give up pride and learn humility
The major message of advertising is that you are important and deserve the very best of everything: cosmetics, automobiles, clothing, and housing. It’s hard to be humble when being bombarded with that narrative.
The message of Jesus is 180 degrees from advertising’s message. “The first shall be last,” Jesus said. Putting a towel around his waist, Jesus the Teacher washed the feet of all 12 of his disciples, saying, “I did this to give you an example of how you should serve.” 180 degrees!
Today, pay attention to all the times, some commercial sponsor tell you that you’re number One and deserve to stay there.
“The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” Psalm 53:17.
“What can we bring to the Lord…Should we offer him thousands of rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our first-born children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:6-8.
“The greatest among you must be your servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:1-12.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:10.
Question: When is it hard for you to be humble?
Activity: Be a servant to someone today. Take a meal. Send a card of affirmation and support. Go to a restaurant with them and pay the tab. Buy them a gift card for a specific need.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you remind us of what it looks like to sit at the back of the room and to be the one who washes feet. Help us to set aside our pride which gets so easily wounded or so quickly stands to take the applause. May we see how repugnant it is for a disciple of yours to pretend to be that which we’re not. We want to be present at your wedding banquet and we will gladly sit at the last table. Through you, Jesus, we pray this. Amen.