Faithful is Better than Famous

Well, hello there, come on up here to this ol’ front porch, friend, and set for a spell before that creaky screen door starts to clappin’ like an ol’ goose that spotted a June bug crawlin’ around in the biscuit bowl. The cool breeze is floatin’ through the trees softer than a lil’ ol’ fawn tiptoein’ across creek moss, and today we’re about to be talkin’ about humility, which is a subject most folks dodge quicker than a lil’ cat that sees bathwater.

Rehoboam had gotten real strong, comfortable, and careless. Then trouble came stompin’ in. But when the king and the leaders finally bowed low, 2 Chronicles 12:6 says, “So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, ‘The Lord is righteous.’” That lil’ sentence plum carries a heap of wisdom. Humility begins when we stop defendin’ ourselves and start agreein’ with God.

Folks chase fame like lil’ ol’ raccoons chasin’ after shiny things. They sho’-nuff’ want to be noticed, praised, followed, and fussed over. But the Lord’s way is mighty different. Heaven just ain’ impressed with puffed up feathers and polished speeches. God honors the humble heart that bows.

That’s sho’-nuff’ why James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” Notice the order. We bow first. He lifts later. Pride plum grabs for the spotlight. Humility is content to carry the wash basin. Pride says, “Look at me.” Humility says, “Lord, use me.”

And here’s the real sweet truth. Humility don’t make you smaller in God’s eyes. It puts you in the right place to receive His grace. The low places are often where the living water runs.

Father, keep me from craving applause more than obedience. Teach me to humble myself quickly, agree with You honestly, and serve others gladly. Guard me from pride that sneaks in quiet as a fox near the henhouse. Lift my eyes from fame to faithfulness, and make my heart soft before You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now then, keep those lil’ tibits in mind today as you ease on down off these ol’ porch steps, friend, and don’t go go huntin’ for a trumpet section to be tootin’ your doin’s before suppertime. A dogwood tree blooms just fine without announcin’ itself, and a lil’ ol’ brook blesses a whole pasture by stayin’ low. Choose faithfulness over fame today because God can do so much more with a bowed head than this ol’ world can do with a thousand flashin’ lights. So, dust off your shoes real good, tip your hat toward Heaven, and git to walkin’ real humble with the Lord.

With joy,

Gwen