“[9] Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified…[13] Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God…” Luke 2:9,13 NLT
Having an encounter with God is enough reason to feel afraid and ask, “But why me?” This must have been how the shepherds felt when many angels visited them, or how Mary felt when the angel visited her.
“We have no reputation and do something less significant than the work of other notable people. We are not worthy of this encounter”, could be a thought process some of us would have. But God doesn’t care about that.
God chooses his vessels based on His criteria. You’ll notice that everyone God chose in the scripture felt unworthy of the work.
But that unworthy feeling is the foundation God needs to fill us up. He would not ask for the help of someone who feels he’s doing God a favour. Instead, He goes for the humble – those who will never share His glory.
As you celebrate the birth of Jesus this season, remember that like Christ, you’re also a vessel. If Jesus can be empowered to do all He did on earth, you can too. After all, you now have equal rights.
How does humility help us at work?
You’ll realise that those who ask for help are the ones who receive help. Those who don’t rarely get it. It’s because humility attracts.
Joseph and Mary could have used the fact that they were carrying the saviour to demand optimal treatment wherever they went. But they’d look stupid doing that.
Our deficiencies as humans are what keep us abased. Without it, we feel larger than life. Those deficiencies are what God also turns around in our favour. He uses them to build up our identities so that when we look back, we will almost not recognize the person were once were.
The birth of Jesus is a reminder that God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Whether you were born with a silver spoon or in a stable, don’t let your privileges or shortcomings deprive you of what God can do through you. There is someone you are about to become. Stay humble about everything.
“As I celebrate the birth of Jesus, I am reminded to stay humble. As I work, I will practice humility by doing the following…”
Practicing humility isn’t pretence. Instead, it’s just an intentional way to make a behavioural change. And like every other habit, it takes more work to learn.
But as the Holy Spirit filled Jesus so He could fulfil His ministry on earth, He can fill you up too, teaching you about humility along the way. Ask Him for direction today. And enjoy the season.
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