Devotion

Humility

Full bible reading: James 4:6-10

We live in a curious age. Self-promotion draws attention! It is actually required in a job interview setting, as you highlight your strengths and attributes with potential employers. The media is brimming with influencers, drawing attention to themselves and their products. There is an innate need in all of us to be noticed, appreciated, valued. But it can get out of control. 

It can be off-putting, even a bit cringy, when someone is regularly ‘blowing their own trumpet’, sounding off to others as they showcase their status and achievements. 

There can be danger in an over-inflated ego... This morning, we saw an example of an expanding balloon. It went a little like this...

Being too proud is like puffing yourself up... (puff) with your own self-importance... (puff) becoming over-confident in your own abilities... (puff) thinking that you can do everything on your own... (puff) you don’t need anyone else... (puff) you don’t even need God... BANG! 

There are some humbling examples of this kind of thing happening in the Old Testament. (The Tower of Babel and King Nebuchadnezzar come to mind.) 

Pride can prevent us from seeing ourselves as we really are. We all make mistakes and fall over sometimes... But God sees the real us. We were never created to do life without him. He knows our strengths and weaknesses. Jesus died and rose again because of our sin. Admitting that we need God’s forgiveness is showing humility.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. NIV

Of course, you can feel happy about your achievements, but isn’t it great when someone else notices, like mum, dad or a teacher and they say, ‘Well done, I’m proud of you’. 

God is like the best kind of parent. He notices you and takes great delight in you. Draw near to him and allow him to lift you up. Our sense of worth is secure in him. He loves you... you mean the world to him! 

Georgie

Do you find yourself wondering what songs we sing in Wednesday Worship?

Do your children come home singing some of the songs? 

We would like to invite you to our Good Shepherd School Worship Song Playlist on YouTube. 

To find a selection of songs that we sing, click here and start singing along!