What is the meaning of humility? Google's definition states that Humility is:a modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness. It is not being proud in areas of success, but giving gratitude and praise to God for helping you get to that point. Instead of taking all the credit for a success, ensure you put some gratitude forward for those who helped you, and those who supported you getting to that point.
Think of humility in the analogy of a pizza. You are a Pepperoni. When you are proud and take all the credit for something, it's like only getting the pepperoni off of the pizza. When you start to share credit and show gratitude for support of friends, family, coworkers, you now have pepperoni and cheese, which is a little bit more flavourful for taste. However, when you include God in these accomplishments and praise Him in thanks, you now have the crust, the most important piece. A pizza without crust is just mush, it's harder to eat and isn't as satisfying. With the bread (God), there is more stability, flavour, and it lasts so much longer. Let's remember to thank God for all the good given to us in life, starting with showing appreciation for those closest to us, and ensuring we let God guide us in all our ups and downs in life.
Today's Gospel states:'Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted' (Matthew 23:1-12).Whoever humbles himself shall be exalted, shall truly receive more benefits in life. Don't be proud like a pepperoni. Be a whole pizza.
Today's prayer comes from 'Knowing Jesus' a prayer for humility:
Thank Your Father God for the wonderful Grace that You have bestowed on all Your children, which enables us to live by Your grace, and to grow in grace.. and which empowers us with sufficient strength and abilities from above.. to live and work to Your praise and glory.Lord it was by Your grace that we were saved and brought into Your family, forgiven of our sins, given access to Your throne of grace and imputed with Christ’s righteousness.It was by Your grace that we were given eternal life, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and awarded a heavenly citizenship with an inheritance that is imperishable, and will never pass away. And it is also by Your everlasting-kindness that You give grace to those that are humble and oppose those that are prideful and arrogant.I pray that I live in humility of spirit and meekness of mind, so that I may reap the divine benefits of Your gift of grace, which You have promised to bestow on all who humble themselves before Your holy Presence, in Jesus name I pray,Amen
