"But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Luke 18: 13-14
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourself. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
"Have this mind in you which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Philippians 2:3-8
The more I dwell upon these words the more startled I become by the entire passage. "He humbled himself." The very king of the universe did not cling to his divine glory. And me? I cannot go a single day without clinging so desperately to my own earthly titles and vain recognition. Forgive me, Lord. Teach me to walk in your steps.
from July 7, 2012
