Humility's Reward

1. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. -Matthew 16:25

I am learning to "lay down my life" or my will so to say in the small things. I pray that as I begin in the small moments, in the future I'll be prepared for the larger things. Working in the emergency room is quite a challenge. I have realized that I can either grumble and be discontent when things get hectic, or I can choose to believe that God is gracious, good, and sovereign, planting me where I am for his glory and the shaping of my character. Needless to say, letting go of my desires leaves me free to be content in the stressful moments and much more loving and gracious to the people I'm serving.

2. "Let not our longings slay the appetite of our living." - Jim Elliot

I have realized that I the best thing to desire is that which I already have, namely the promises of God. I must not dwell on things that are not because they simply may never be. Not to say I can't hope and pray for things, but I must set my mind on things above and not on earthly things. Thankfulness goes a long way in fighting for joy.

3. "Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation that you believe to be the will of God." - Jim Elliot

I think this one is the toughest. It goes along with the previous quote. Lots of times my longings are simply things like "I just can't wait until this day ends," or "If I can just make it until Monday after my test.." "I'm ready to graduate." Its almost like I am wishing my life away. I once read from the comic The Family Circus, "Today is a gift, that's why its called the present."

I'm sure its a lot less stressful to be where I am instead of doing something with my mind on my to-do list or thinking about what else I could be doing. Renewing our minds is a must: "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). God is in the mundane and in the busy-ness.
Since every moment has a purpose from God to conform me to the likeness of his Son, may I learn from the words of Jacob,
"Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it"(Genesis 28:17).

In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
--Isaiah 30:15,18

I guess my point is that humility's reward is joy. less stress. contentment. Faith is a necessity for humility. Jesus had one command for eternal life: Believe.

"Little faith will bring the soul to heaven, but much faith will bring heaven to the soul." -Spurgeon