Recently my brother, a retired investigative reporter, did a little sleuthing in Chicago where our Mom was born in 1917. He mentioned the name of the hospital where she was born to a long-time area nurse. He was told that the original hospital had been merged with another; but searching the virtually omniscient Internet, he unearthed a period photo of the hospital. This was in an era when the world was colorless.
The hospital was probably an advanced facility in its day, but by modern standards this would be considered a humble beginning. As we celebrate the Advent season again this year, we are reminded of the humble beginning of the omnipotent God who came to this earth as a baby named Jesus. It is certain that the stable and manger where baby Jesus spent his first days were much more rustic than an American hospital 100 years ago.
It is no coincidence that Jesus calls us to an attitude of humility. Jesus is our Example in Chief. He told us to wash one another’s feet, to be willing to sit at the last seat at the table, to give of our resources and ourselves cheerfully and generously. The Apostle Paul continued this theme by urging us to outdo one another in showing honor. The underlying instruction is to be humble – not only during our early childhood years, but throughout our lives as a child of God. The scriptures are replete with directives to suppress our ego and elevate our service. Paul urged us to follow his example and finish well. Those that serve with humility have joy in this life and the reward of gold, silver, and precious stones to lay at His feet.
Take an inventory of your service; are you serving humbly for His name’s sake?
