An Inverted Kingdom

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd Nov 14 - Filed in Devotional - 2,508 views
  But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11'12 WEB.
  
  We can't impress God with the things we have accomplished, for it's by His grace and mercy that we are breathing at all. He's not impressed with how many people you led to the Lord, for He drew them first. He's not impressed with how many people attend your church, for He placed them there.
  
  He entrusted you with the gifts and talents you have to see what you would do with them, much like the parable of the talents. So, never become too impressed with yourself and your own accomplishments. He isn't.
  
  The way to greatness in God's eyes is by humbling yourself. Jesus said, "The least of you will be the greatest" (Luke 9:48). C.S. Lewis said it well with: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less." The Bible is full of promises reserved for the humble of heart. For those who put the needs of others before their own. Here are just a few:
  
  Luke 14:11: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
  
  1 Peter 5:1: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
  
  James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you."
  
  Jesus washed His disciples' feet when they wouldn't wash His. Though He was the greatest, He acted as the lowest and put their needs above His own. We each have our assigned part, and the kingdom of God works upside down from the world of man. It's an inverted kingdom. You may impress God with your humility, obedience, and love but not with accomplishments, position, or status.
  
  When you let it go, He will give you back better. When you humble yourself and submit your life to God, He will raise you up. When you give to Him, He will multiply it and give it back to you. When you take care of the needs of others, He will take care of you.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for waking me up today. Please help me see the pride in my life and give me the grace to humble myself before You. Lead me by Your Spirit, and help me make the right decisions today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
  
  Note: For those following the Creation Photography weekly challenges, group leader, Dianna Wyles: Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." ~ 'It Made Me Smile Today' will be our next fun-tastic theme and is wide open for your creative flair! If it makes you smile, take a snapshot and post it here so we can smile too. My photos, of course, are of family, friends, Heart Blessings and nature, because that's what makes me smile the most. Enjoy your week, everyone, and be the smile someone else needs to see ~ God bless! Here is the link: Creation Photographers
  
  
  

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