THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus
Friday, May 31, 2024

Lord, following you goes so against our human nature. Perhaps your greatest requirement of your followers is to deny ourselves, our desires, and shelve what we want. Instead, you ask your followers to put the needs of others above ours.

How our human nature drives us to self-promote our accomplishments, what we have done. Lord, I’ve gotta laugh how “self-promote” is the “woke” way of saying “boasting.” Our unchecked humanity demands greatness. “Look at me. See all I’ve done. Recognize me—I’m above the herd.” We love how the applause, the accolades, the “atta boy/girl” give us goosebumps. We have made making a name for ourselves a priority.

If we claim to be Christ followers, then shouldn’t we follow your example? As you demonstrated, true greatness consists of putting the needs of others ahead of ours. In Scripture, Philippians 2:5–8 details how you set aside his deity and became a “servant.”

You didn’t come to be waited on hand and foot as pompous royalty demands to be served. Far from that. You washed dusty, dirty feet. You took up the cause of the little man, the downtrodden, the rejected. You, Lord Jesus, the God who left the glories of Heaven came here to serve the outcasts of society. Your humility and servant’s attitude was unheard of at the time. Luke’s Gospel recorded your words: “for he who is least among you is the greatest” Luke 9:48.

May all who follow you become servants who please you, Jesus. Amen.