The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 18 August 2019 – Humility: A Great Virtue
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TOPIC — Humility: A Great Virtue
READ: Matthew 18:1-16 King James Version (KJV)
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
THE MESSAGE:
Selfishness and pride are major attributes of godless persons or groups. It manifests itself in a strong determination to please oneself at others’ expense and also in a show of disregard to God’s commandments. Selfishness and pride breed offence, fighting, party spirit and hatred and results in failure in team ministry.
In our text, our Lord Jesus Christ warned His disciples against such and admonished them to pursue after humility and self-discipline so as to inherit the kingdom of heaven (verses 3-4). Those who will overcome selfishness and pride must give up mundane desires and place great value on pleasing God and securing eternal life in Christ Jesus. They must continue learning Christ in all things and obeying Him without compromise.
As verses 15-16 show, the Christian has the responsibility of initiating moves for reconciliation when he or she is offended. Indeed it takes courage and humility to do the above, nevertheless, the scripture says purse peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
In view of all this, can you sincerely and boldly say that you are growing in selfless service and peace-making, especially in the Church of God? Your heavenly Father will give you grace if you humble yourself.
Prayer: Oh Lord, help me to deny myself of rights and privileges so as to promote peace with all men. Amen
