Success in Life

Jesus said, "He who humbles himself will be exalted."

Luke 18:14

At a motivational conference for salesmen, a speaker said, "My goal as a young man was to be a millionaire before I was forty years old. Well, I didn't make it. Far from it, I was constantly trying to come up with a new scheme to become rich. My sales record was good but nothing to brag about. My goal was not reached. It was the best thing that could have happened to me, because I was trying to use people to reach my first million dollars. Then, I finally learned the secret to success. It wasn't in sales but service. I had to humble myself to think about the needs of others. When I did, the sales took care of themselves."

Jesus was the greatest success in human history. He was not a wealthy man in this world's goods. He didn't try to make a reputation for Himself. He served others. He humbled Himself to wash His disciples feet. He even humbled Himself to die on a cross. Yet, God our Father exalted Him in His glorious resurrection. "He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God has exalted Him and given Him the name which is above all others" (Philippians 2:8-9). His success is forever.

To humble ourselves goes against our sinful nature. Only the Spirit of God can work humility in our lives. It is sure evidence that He is at work in our hearts. Humility is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Love bears the fruit of humility. "Love . . . does not seek its own" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). As we humble ourselves before God, He exalts us to the praise of His glorious love. That's success in life.

Prayer: Father, work in our hearts love's fruit of humility, in Jesus name. Amen.