Common Denominator (Humility)

 Living in a land that is supposedly a "land of the free and home of the brave" sounds like fantasy.  When immigration pours in, yes, the immigrants likely feel freedoms they hadn't experienced in their land of birth.  They have had to be brave to come.  But do they ever, truly become one with their adopted country?

Are they looked upon as 'belonging'?  That is the question.  Have they inculcated enough of the local vibes to give the appearance of being one with the locals?  Are there enough common denominators?

There are so many cultures coming together but wishing to remain who they were in their country of origin.  Generally speaking, it's armor, defensive armor.

But when there are church members in multicultural conglomerate, we Christians have to remember God's words about no more Jew or Greeks, slaves or free in the congregation of believers.

The 'common denominator' is that we are one body in Christ.  We are one in Christ.  We are all followers of Jesus Christ.  There is a 'code of ethics' - so to speak - that should characterize each believer and they each need to put it into action among the assemblage.

We all belong to Jesus Christ.  We are all Christians.  Each has the Holy Spirit.  These are common denominators.  And if each is walking humbly in the fear of the Lord, and in step with the Holy Spirit, they will behave in a manner pleasing to the Lord and not look down on anyone in contempt.  Nor will anyone look up and put anyone on a pedestal.

If you read 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 you will see what God says through the Apostle Paul.

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all members of the body, though many are one body, so it is with Christ.  For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of the one Spirit" (ESV).

When we wrap ourselves in humility, which by-the-way, is required of the Lord (see Micah 6:8 NKJV), we will want and have that attitude of Jesus Christ.  We will want to imitate Him.  At church we will engage certain behavior referred to as "expressions of humility."  These should be obvious to all.

There will then be greater unity among the saints.  There will be greater love shown to one and all.  All our praise, worship and boasting will be for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Let's let our common denominator of humility to activate.

Heavenly Father, You know how our humanness often makes us selfish and proud.  In humility, Jesus came and showed us true humility.  Help us to wrap ourselves in His, to grow more and more humble in imitation of Jesus' attitude.  We need this especially at church among believers of all shapes and sizes and ethnic backgrounds.  May we see ourselves first and foremost as Your children characterized by Your love, forgiveness and humility and more.

In Christ we are all one and not the culture we were born into.  May there be peace and harmony and a showing of Your love among the believers.  When non-believers look at us they will say we truly belong to You.  I ask all this in Jesus' most precious name.  Amen.

                                                  ~ ERC  January 2026 ~

Based on:  1 Corinthians 12:12-13 ESV.

Sing, The Love of God is Greater Far, along with Guy Penrod, Joy Gardner and David Phelps.

Let Another Praise You (Humility)

"Let another praise you and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lipe" (Proverbs 27:2 ESV).

There may be good reason for praising something successful and the one who worked hard to achive a goal.  But this verse tells us to let others do the praising.

I'd say its okay to compete, to have excellence and success in various pursuits a person can have.  It's good to do and be the best we can but don't praise yourself upon the accomplishments.  This seems to be the verse's sentiments God wants us to know.

Success and praise can become idols and be hindrances to growing humility in our Christian lives.  We need to walk humbly with the Lord.  In fact, humility is what the Lord requires of us (see Micah 6:8 NKJV).

Think about the Apostle Paul.  He had the finest of pedigrees.  Top education, straight A's, so to speak, the best of Pharisees, abiding religiously correct to God's Laws and among other things, top grade.  He had had such great success and acclaim in his life.

But in the end, he actually considered the accomplishements as "rubbish" (see Philippians 3:8).  Why?  He said this because he wanted to gain Christ in his life, to have Christ's righteousness and goodness instead of banking on his own merits.

And he did have much to boast about.  You can read the list in 2 Corinthians 11:16-12:10.  But he said not to put confidence in ourselves.  We need the confidence that comes from God to make us complete, which we can't achieve from all our earthly successes (see 2 Corinthians 3:1-4).

He practiced what he preached, too.  Remember Phoebe?  She was one Paul commended and praised to the Romans.  It wasn't because of her beauty and charm - we're not told about that.  But because she had been such a help and blessing to many, including Paul himself.

In the same passage, Paul names several others like Priscilla and Aquila, his fellowworkers who risked their lives for him.  The church also met in their home.  The list goes on (see Romans 16).

So even if we have swimming success in whatever we do, be sure to boast about what our Lord and Savior has done for us.  Be sure to thank Him for it too.

As we practice this daily, humility we'll have more fertile ground in which to grow humility within us and govern our lives.  Let's seek this outcome and give God the praise.

Father God, may the humility and attitude of Jesus characterize me too.  Work it into my life so all my praise and worship goes to You and Your Son Jesus.  In Jesus' name I ask.  Amen.

                                               ~ ERC  December 2025 ~

Based on Proverbs 27:2; Jeremiah 9:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 1:31 ESV.

Sing, Praise the Savior, along with Songs From Scripture (Abe & Liza Philip).  Or here's another version of it with choir input from Martijin de Groot and Grace Community Church.

War Across the Divide (Humility)

 

They say birds of a feather flock together.  It seems quite true.  Take an ordinary classsroom of students with a teacher in front of the class.  Often, it becomes teacher vs students.

So teachers from other classes band together, forming a coalition of sorts.  Then across the divide of feathers, there's tension and 'war'.

The same scenario could float to the top at church with church leadership vs congregation. Or, at work, employees vs employer.  In the home it could be parents vs their children.

With this divide there comes 'resistance to learning'.  Resistance to learning is a hindrance to developing humility in our lives as believers in Jesus Christ.

Those in leadership positions may feel those under their leadership are rebellious, stubborn, lazy, uncaring and not eager to cooperate or to learn.

The students, church members, employees and children may feel that those in authority above them are too bossy, unwilling to listen to feedback and therefore, unable to accept teaching and words of wisdom.  So can you see this tug-of-war?

When Christian teachers, church leaders, employers and parents together with their Christian students, church members, employees and children see Jesus as THE Teacher, and make HIM boss of their life, there will be more humility, I believe.  When we realize Jesus is the true Person in authority, both sides of the divide will be better able to accept each other better and then like beautiful flowers, each will be able to grow and blossom.  There won't be as much resistance to learning and listening, and there won't be so much war across the divide.

Learning will be more able to flow in both directions with greater respect for each other:  teachers and students; church leadership with church members, employers with employees, and parents with their children and visa versa.

"Hallelujah!"  we can then joyfully exclaim.

                                                    ~  ERC  December 1015  ~

Based on Matthew 7:28-29 and John 1:38 ESV.

Sing, I Want to Serve the Purpose of God in My Generation, along with Peter C3  and Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated, along with Reawaken.

Late For Lunch (Humility)

 There was one summer camp young people went to once they reached a certain teen age.  It could be quite fun unless of course, you were late for a meal.  Those who had been on time would collectively burst into song, singing,

"What we want is more punctuality,

More punctuality, more punctuality,

What we want is more punctuiality,

We were here on time ..."

It was all in good fun but a message was conveyed to the latecomers.

A person can forgive another if lateness is a one-off thing but if it is a habitual habit it shows a disregard for others, for their time, that you think you are more important than the ones who wait, and even demanding from those who had been punctual - their forbearance as you made them wait.

What happens to the demeanor of the latecomer, or to anyone who needs gentle correction?  Are they 'open to reason' or will they just ignore feedback and go on their merry way unchanged?

The wise are those who take heed.

"Wisdom from above is ... open to reason" (James 3:17 & 18).

The opposite of 'open to reason' is 'ignoring feedback'.  Ignoring feedback is a hindrance to developing humility.  This means when someone mentions an area in our attitude or character that needs improvement, we ignore it.  We don't care, or don't want to show they'd hit the nail on the head.

We feel too proud to accept we might have a weakness and certainly won't wish to acknowledge one.  But if we want to cultivate humility, we will be 'open to reason'.  We will examine ourselves to see if the person has been correct about us.  If so, we will then accept it, and take remedial action, when and where necessary.

Specific behavior can change and lead to greater humility the more an individual is open to feedback and engages a willing heart to do better.  This in turn could lead to greater wisdom and a Christlike attitude.

May the Lord's wisdom from above prompt us towards attitudes that please Him.  We can make it an offering, a scarifice of our will to His.  May His Holy Spirit work mightily within us towards such an outcome.  We especially don't want to be 'late for lunch'.

                                                 ~ ERC  December 2025 ~

Based on James 3:17 & 18 ESV.

Sing, Humbled Heart, along with Sarah Kroger (Acoutsic).

The Comparing Game (Humility)

 

When we measure and compare ourselves with others, we will either feel ourselves lacking and feeling inferior or we will be seeing ourselves as better than others.  Neither of these scenarios are pleasing to the Lord.

Both scenarios a comparison that creates jealousy and anger.  These are big hindrances to growing in humility.  The Bible verse 2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV tells us we are

 "without understanding"

 when we play the comparing game.

These can lead to devastating consequences.  It is not just child's play!

Think back to Cain and Abel.  Brothers - the first ever brothers of humanity.  Both worked hard at their vocations.  Cain - a vegetable farmer while Abel herded and tended sheep.  

When each brought an offering for the Lord, both brought from what they knew and what they valued.  We ask then, "Why?"  Why did the Lord regard Abel's offering over Cain's?

Seems like Cain had a right to be angry and jealous and want vindication.  The Bible doesn't indicate the Lord's reasons but we can surmise some.

God knows our hearts.  He knows what is deep down and what our motivations are.  He may well have accepted Abel's offering as more acceptable as Abel knew and understood what God wanted most.  Abel's heart attitude was wrapped in faith and humility.

On the other hand, Cain's heart may well have been proud of all his work, forgetting that despite all his weeding, fertilizing and tending of his crops, it was God who made it actually grow.  His jealousy led him to murder his brother Abel.  He had no understanding of what the Lord wanted.

From the New Testatment we see John the Baptist was one who knew what the Lord wanted.  He understood his role was to prepare the way for Jesus to come.  He did his ministry well and in the end he said about Jesus and himself,

"He (Jesus) must increase but I must decrease" (vs 30).

And so John exalted Jesus, which was right.  In this we can see John the Baptizer's humility.

Let's get before the Lord for this very serious matter especially since it can be a stumbling block and hindrance to our growth in humility.  Remember, all we have and our abilities come from the Lord.

                                                   ~ ERC  December 2025  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 10:12; Genesis 4:1-55 and James 3:14-16 ESV.

Sing, Humbled Heart, Litany of Humility.

Lord's Day Devotion - Quick to Forgive (Humility)

 We all know what an apple is like and can describe its characteristics well.  We might say it's a Red Delicious or Green Granny or has the dull brown with yellow or gold undertones of a Russet.  It's generally round in shape, with smooth-ish skin.  Then there's the crunchy munch of the white, sweet and juicy flesh.  And the adage,

"An apple a day will keep the doctor away,"

may come to mind.  There may be healing properties in an apple's essence.

Similarly, humility has characteristics.  These may be trickier to describe but we can suggest some to mediate upon.  These are good and encompass what the Lord requires of us in regards to doing justly and loving mercy as we walk humbly with our God (see Micah 6:8 NKJV).

There's focusing our attention on others.  When we do so we will be better able to respectfully listen to them in silence, with our lips zipped.  We will be more quick to forgive and see the best in others.  Tougher ones may be willingness to admit our own mistakes, to be giving and to not be too proud to ask others for help. 

A great verse from Proverbs can guide us and give us reason to consider these, although this 'list' is not exhaustive.

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom"          (Proverbs 11:2 ESV).

Our pride will be a huge blockade to operating our Christian lives with humility.

We can work on overcoming pride and growing in humility.  An apple tree does not grow up big and tall and fruitful overnight but there is steady growth with the right conditions.

We can think of Sister Phoebe that the apostle Paul spoke so highly of (see Romans 16:1-2).  She'd helped so many of the believers, Paul included.  This makes me believe she had the humility to focus on others and give 100% attention to them in silence.

She'd listen in silence, not interrupting or interjecting her own experiences and opinions.  No, she'd have very likely observed their faces and facial experessions and body language.  She'd have seen if they were tired, hungry, discouraged, angry, joyful, in sorrow or had some other need.  Then she'd fulfil and provide the lack appropriately, perhaps even unobtrusively.

This would be quiet humility in action.  One of the rewards of which is honor (see Proverbs 22:4 ESV).  Paul was basically telling the Romans to honor her by helping her help others in every possible way.  Phoebe hadn't been doing all she'd been doing to get this response, I believe, but rather because she loved mercy and had great compassion for others.

How often do we hold grudges?  Some hold them for days, months and years that add up to lifetimes.  Yet, if we are followers of Jesus Christ, we are told we MUST give just as Jesus did (see Colossians 3:12-13).  It is not easy to forgive offences and slights, and outright abuse and trauma perpetrated by others, especially those we thought we were close too.

I respect and admire Joseph's story.  O, how his brothers betrayed him and sold him away! The injustice then of Potiphar's wife's false accustations of a man of integrity and who feared God.  Joseph was whipped into prison and left to rot.

Eventually getting out of prison when he interpreted Pharoah's dreams, he was finally getting justice and honor, although that is not what he'd sought.  Being made second in the Egyptian kingdom was not anything he ever had aspired to.  His earlier dreams of his brothers' obeyance may well have puzzled him though throughout the years until then.

The famine years came upon the world and Joseph's brothers made the food trek to Egypt.  What a startling moment for Joseph when he recognized them!  It was his great chance to strike with revenge, big time!  But he didn't.  He did test them, but not out of vengeance (see Genesis 37, 39-45:8).

Eventually he revealed himself.  The brothers believed they were up a creek without a paddle then and bowed before Joseph in terror.  Joseph's reply brings me to tears.  The humility of it all.  The graciousness is mindboggling.  Read it for yourselves.

"And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselve because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life."

"And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors."

"It was not you who sent me here, but God.  He has made me a father to Pharaoh and Lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt" (Genesis 45:6-8 ESV).

Our Jesus forgives and He forgave the men who hung Him on the cross.  Think of all that injustice, being held there, that sinless, spotless, blameless Lamb of God.  Yet He forgave and immediately forgives the repentant ones - the ones who would admit and repent of their wrongs, mistakes and sins.

First John 1:9 reveals this immediateness.  We confess, He forgives.  Let's all be quick to forgive.  After all it is what Jesus does.  Let's follow our Leader who is our Savior and Lord.

Father God, we humbly partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine in remembrance of your costly sacrifice on our behalf.  May we show our gratitude by cultivating the attitude of Jesus of humility and quickness to forgive the repentent heart.  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                   ~ ERC  December 2025 ~

Based on Proverbs 11:2 NIV, Micah 6:8 NKJV, and Genesis 37, 39-45:8 ESV.

Sing, Forgiveness, along with Matthew West and Amazing Grace (Chains Gone), along with Michael W. Smith.

Prayer - 2026 Soul Search

 

Lord, am I happy with my status quo?  Or, do I want to gain more of you, my Savior Jesus Christ, in my life?  Do I want more of Your righteousness and goodness instead of all else that distracts?

I cannot totally, honestly say at the moment.  There is some resistance in my heart.  What would I need to displace?  Something I do not want to admit to myself, let alone to You, Lord.  Of course You already know though.  

Yet, You patiently wait.  You wait, ready and willing with already opened arms of love and care.  You wait for me to come humbly, willingly, honestly, really ready without heart hindrances or hesitations, to have more of you.  Thank You for Your patience, Lord.

                                                 ~  ERC  January 2026  ~

Based on Philippians 3:8 ESV.

Sing, I Surrender All, along with Reawaken.