The
first key to freedom in Christ is humility. If we keep
blaming others for our failings, nothing ever improves and we are never set
free from the bondage of the past.
Humility
is absolutely transforming. The humility to admit that we are powerless leads
to surrender. This surrender blazes the trail to serenity. Serenity is peace,
which transcends our circumstances.
This
deep peace paves the way to joy, which does not depend on what is going on
around us. Happiness is a fickle human emotion that ebbs and flows with the
tides of life.
However,
the joy of the Lord is our continual strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It gives us the
energy to follow the Spirit’s leading as we live in the moment throughout the
day.
A
Christian sister reminded me that she is a teacher; and, therefore, must plan
her calendar. She wondered how she could plan and still live in the moment.
We
can plan our life as the Spirit gives us direction, but living it moment by moment
takes away our regret over the past and our worry over the future.
People
also wonder how to pray without ceasing and yet continue to live up to their
daily responsibilities. We certainly cannot stay on our knees in our prayer
closet all day long.
Some
people say this means that we live in an attitude of prayer. I assert that we
are actually called to pray about each moment as God gives it to us. We ask Him
what He wants us to do, and we follow His Spirit’s leading as we do it.
Then,
we pray about each new endeavor throughout the day. Life flows much more
smoothly with prayer, because we live it in the center of God's Will.
Prayer:
Father
God, the easiest was to develop humility is to apologize. This will humble us
before You have to bring someone to humiliate us. Please remind us that
humility creates inner freedom in our soul. It is such a relief to let go of
what we have been trying to hide, deny, or hold on to, and to acknowledge that
we are not perfect.
Apologies
with excuses and justifications are not apologies, although it is helpful to
explain to others why we acted or spoke as we did. This explanation is not an
excuse, but gives clarity in communication. No matter whom it is, help us to say,
“Please forgive me for … (and to name
the issue). Most of all, we humble our self before You and give You all of the
praise and glory due to Your name.
Thought
for the Day:
Humility
admits that we cannot, and acknowledges that God can; so that we can live each
moment in the center of His will.
