Day 6 - Humility Helps

Day 6
Genesis 13-15, John 5

Humility is key. This is how Jesus based His ministry. And it is the key to the sections we read about today.
When there is conflict between the Abram and Lot's people, Abram takes the humble way and offers Lot a choice of the land, knowing that he might not get the best choice after Lot gets it. But in doing this, Abram keeps close ties with his nephew and still finds blessing in the end. Abram even goes to rescue his nephew when he is captured during the wars. Abram could have easily let Lot go and then taken the land for himself, but he does the right and humble thing in going after him.
I think we all have instances where we don't humble ourselves to do the right thing. Whether it's because we want our way, or we don't want to look weak. But the reality of humility is that it is a very strong thing to do.

Abram gets great blessing from the Lord, as we read on to the covenant made. Abram doesn't feel worthy, as he doesn't even have a son to carry on his family. But the Lord promises him one, and that he'll have many descendants. (Abraham's line is actually the line to Jesus.) Because Abram was humble and followed God's heart, he is greatly blessed.

In John, we read about an encounter Jesus has with a man who cannot walk. He flat out asks the man if he wants to be well. Many might find this a strange question, but the reality of it is that we don't always want to ask for help - as we would rather do something our own way, or be stuck in the rut we're in because it has become the "comfortable" way of being. Asking God for help is a humbling exercise. When we can admit we can't do it with out Him, we can do impossible things indeed.

Jesus displays this in His own ministry by telling those who are after Him about how without the Father, He could do nothing. Without turning to Him, we can't do anything either. Jesus lays into the men accusing Him, and points out that even the laws they are following point right back to Him, yet they are too stubborn to come to Him.

Humility can make or break us. When we are too prideful to ask for help, or do the right thing, we can surely fall short, and even fall short for all eternity. Christ wants us to come to Him and know our need for His help in this life! When we are too prideful to do it, we will lose out eternally. Humble yourselves in every circumstance. Ask for help. Do what is right, even if it isn't in your best interest.