Got Humility?
The Bible says, “And the seventy
returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld
Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power
of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto
you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank
thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them
unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” Luke 10:17-21 (KJV)
A truly humble man is hard to find, yet God delights to honor such selfless people.
Booker T. Washington, the renowned black educator, was an outstanding example of this truth. Shortly after he took
over the presidency of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by
a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by
chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves,
and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked
them by the fireplace.
A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity
to the lady. The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized
profusely. “It’s perfectly all right, Madam,” he replied. “Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor.
Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his
meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart.
Not long
afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars
to the Tuskegee Institute.
Daily
Chronological Bible Reading: Luke 10-11; John 10:22-42