INSPIRASUNS

This morning, right on schedule, I received my daily scripture reading and reflection from my Priest friend. I’ve mentioned him before here in this little blog. Like this little blog, there are days when his text just hits home. I find myself saying, “I needed this today”, after reading it. Today was one of those days when what he sent was what I needed to hear.

The scripture reading was from John 3:22-36. It’s the story of both John the Baptist and Jesus baptizing near each other, and John’s disciples asking him about Jesus. In these passages, John reminds his followers that all things on this earth are given from God, including Jesus. “He must increase, but I must decrease”, meaning that Jesus must be the focus now and always. John was sent by Father to prepare the world for Jesus’ coming, and at the appointed time, he knew he must “step aside”. John was humble, and his humility made him one of Christ’s most loyal followers.

My friend shared this morning that, “When we have a humble heart, all of our words and actions, and our very way of being, give praise to God.” That, my friends, is all that matters.

Over the years in my work life (ya there are a bunch of those), I have felt slighted. I’ve worked on projects, suggested ideas, gone the extra mile only to have others reap the credit. It hurt, and I was upset. Who doesn’t like to be recognized for their work? At the end of the day, though, the focus should be on the bigger picture. Did my idea help make things better for others? Were our customers happier because of a solution I was able to provide, regardless of whether I got the credit?

Humbleness and humility, traits that glorify God. I recognize now, in my “older years”, I don’t need the credit because at the end of the day, everything comes from our Lord. It’s not my ideas or my skills; these were gifts from Him.

My friend ended his message with this wonderful prayer. As I said, it hit home with me today, and perhaps it will for you as well.
Jesus, this Gospel is a call to grow in humility. Help me to know myself so that I rely not on the gifts and talents you have given me or the material goods I have, but only on you, Lord. Every great saint, it seems, radiates humility. Please give me this grace so that I may please you in all things.

He goes on to suggest a way to “live my faith”. Lord, today by your grace I will do a hidden act of kindness for someone, knowing that only you see it.

Friends, this life is so short, and we have so many opportunities to be like John the Baptist. So, as my friend suggests, take a moment today to do something simple for someone else. Don’t look for the credit or the recognition, because at the end of the day, the Lord’s recognition is all that matters.

Have a good day, friends. Continued prayers for the return of Emily Rea.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.