What it really means to give

Humility is a peculiar thing, once we think we have it it's gone.

Humility is the absence of pride.

For me to write and say that I have it... to count the ways in showing you how I use it— how I submit to it's beckoning would be vanity.

Think of this seemingly peculiar act of service, the act that goes against the grain of our natural human tendencies as something not to be grasped with words.  It must be seen in our actions by others.

It's our attitude of service toward another.  That is how we practice humility. 


Humility always has recipients.

Jesus humbled Himself to the death on a cross.  It was His attitude of service for His Father on behalf of a lost world.  He was willing to die so that you and I might live.

Just as Jesus didn't let our rejection of Him stop His service toward the Father on our behalf, we shouldn't let our humble acts of service on behalf of other's stop us in our act of service to the Father.

Once our intent is fixed on being a person who is humble in heart, acceptance nor rejection will matter to us when it comes to the need and service of another. Christ was rejected by us, yet He died for us.  Rejection didn't stop Him from fulfilling the need that mankind had for a Savior.


The intent of our humble service is what matters.


Parents sacrifice the wages of a mother so that she can be home with the child, the child feels cheated as most of his friends leave the house during the day.  The child misbehaves, not accepting the gift that the mother gives by being home, sacrificing.  The parents love the child and want to make him happy, but they feel the child is better at home with the mother, in spite of financial difficulties, in spite of foregoing career opportunities, the mother stays home with the child for she believes it is what's best for him.

What matters in this circumstance and similar ones?  


Our intent on behalf of someone else, our willingness to forget about what we deserve, to forget about rights of our own... this is what it means to give.  To really give like Jesus gives.


Only when we live in this manner will the heart reveal itself and what is within will seep out, making it possible for all to see the humble heart that dwells beneath the skin.

God's Word says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves."

Genuine humility builds.

Selfish motives tear down.

"Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work." ~ Mother Theresa
                                          
Today I'm linking up with Ann Voskamp's community.  Our conversation: the practice of humility.


I'm also visiting Courtney's link party today.  Check her out too. Women Living Well Ministries

And raising home makers.  Check them out here, Raising Homemakers, and Be One Find Day.

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