Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Pet. 5:6)
A CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGIST had a client in a nursing facility who wouldn’t stop screaming and moaning. The only words she seemed to be able to say were, “Don’t hit me!” Her constant noise unnerved other residents and wore on the staff. When they finally called the psychologist to let him know what was going on, he went to visit her. In her room, he knelt down in front of her wheelchair and took her hands in his. He didn’t speak, though she continued to yell. He just held her hands and gently rubbed them. After a few moments, she quieted down and leaned forward, resting her head on his shoulder. For the first time in many days she said something new: “Is this ok?” “Of course,” he replied. And the two remained there, in that position, for several minutes. Before he stood up to leave, the psychologist told the woman, “You are not alone.” She smiled and released his hands.
This act of humility won’t ever be “big news.” However, God saw the loving kindness this man showed to “one of the least of these,” and as a result God has lifted him up. How? Is he now the president of some prestigious association? Does he have a new car or great wealth? No, God lifted him up in ways that are important to God, in ways that developed the likeness of Jesus in him and strengthened his integrity and character. That’s what humility does: It changes our focus from wanting to be important in the eyes of others to wanting to please God in all we do. So look for ways to humbly serve, and thank God for His promise to lift you up in His time and in His way.
Humbly serve others and trust God to meet your needs.
Mary Blackford is a full-time student and freelance editor. She and her husband, Rick, live in Erie, Pennsylvania, with their three dogs.
