I have written on multiple occasions about the “Indeed” devotional guide that we give away at our church.  I have used all kinds of devotionals over the years: My Utmost for His Highest (still read it), Our Daily Bread, Morning and Evening, etc.  All of these are fine, and i highly recommend Utmost.  But, I’m constantly amazed at how I am challenged by Indeed.  Here is a couple of excerpts from today’s reading entitled “Humility” (I’ll boldface all of Indeed and other comments in plain text will be mine:

“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14

This scripture verse is taken from the story of the Pharisee and tax collector.  The Pharisee came boldly and proudly before God – confident of his own righteousness.  The tax collector, stood afar, averted his eyes, and came humbly in prayer to God.  Jesus says the tax collector went away justified.  Then he says the above verse.  We easily become self-focused, wanting to become good in order to represent God well.  Have we forgotten?  God is already represented well by Jesus…The self-ward heart doesn’t get it.  It can’t be transparent about its weaknesses and failures because it is too busy masking them…The Godward soul can relax and proclaim: “God’s doing His wonderful work in the wreck that is me.” 

Both perspectives come from good intentions.  But deep in the heart of man is a reluctance to enhance God’s reputation at the expense of our own.  We don’t want to own up to our weaknesses, failures, brokenness, and sin.  We want to demonstrate God’s grace in our respectable lives…Acknowledging your ultimate dependence and need isn’t always easy.  It will require an honesty before Him and an honest testimony before the world.  Will that reflect well on you?  Probably not, but it will reflect incredibly well on Him.

Anyway…may we all humble ourselves before God and others.  I am a law breaker, worthy of the clink.  I am a sinner, in need of a Saviour.  I don’t represent God very well.   But He is already well represented in His Son.  May He use me in my weakness to reflect Him to a world in need of Him.

Pick up a copy of Indeed this Sunday!