In Touch 03-01-05

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

March 1, 2005

The Promise of Humility

1 Peter 5:5-7

Jesus' life exemplified humility. He didn't assert His rights while on earth, but instead left behind His rightful glory and authority. Cloaking himself with humanity, Jesus chose to obey His Father as a servant. (Philippians 2:5-7)

Our Savior's example was and still is counter-cultural. The world does not value an attitude or lifestyle of humility; rather, our culture applauds high achievement, outward beauty, elevated positions, or exceptional skills. But God assures us that if we choose meekness - living in submission to Jesus as Master of our lives - He will reward us in both this life and the life to come. (Matthew 5:5 NIV)

Peter clearly outlines our options in his first letter to the church. If we choose God's way of humility, we are promised that spiritual blessings will follow. But God warns that if we forsake His path in pride, He will oppose us because we are essentially working against Him in our arrogant self-sufficiency. However, when we humble ourselves before the Lord by yielding to His authority and desiring to obey Him, He will be our source of confidence and strength.

His promise relating to humility has another important aspect. Because we sometimes buy into the importance society places on instant gratification, we want recognition now. But God honors us according to His own timing and His own perfect ways.

The decision is yours to make: Will you humble yourself and live for God's glory rather than your own, or will you plot your own course and invite His opposition?

Be sure to tell your teen about Teen Connection - the official teen outreach of In Touch Ministries. This cutting-edge web site is filled with practical content, including articles, interviews, a study guide, and devotionals, for teenagers of all spiritual maturity levels. The featured interview for March is best-selling band Caedmon's Call. Check out Teen Connection today!

http://www.teen-connection.net

Are you looking to take the next step in your spiritual walk? Enroll today in the Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living - a free, virtual one-on-one mentoring program with Dr. Charles Stanley. Register online today at www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com.