A Humble Heart

Read Matthew 6:1-4 

On first glance, my response to this passage is “Done. Got it. I do not boast about how I help people; I never bring a trumpet or ask for applause when I give so I am accomplishing what Jesus is saying here.” Joking aside, this sentiment is missing the point. Jesus is not interested in ensuring I appear to have good behavior; He is interested in my heart. He says in Matthew 6:1, “Do not practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” 

“To be seen by them” is key here: it touches on heart motivations. Whether serving in secret or in front of others with a trumpet and applause, if my heart desires to perform, gain recognition, or get something from my service, I lack humility and that is going to be empty generosity.

Think about it this way for a moment: serving and giving with a humble heart posture sounds like asking, “What does God have to show me in this situation or about this person/experience/etc.?” Do you sense the quiet peace and humility that comes with such a posture? It is getting out of the way to make room for God. It is submitting to how God intends to work. I picture it as the release of my tightly clasped hands.

Now, compare it to entering into a serving situation with a mindset of “I am here to serve, I will make a difference.” There is nothing outright wrong with this sentiment, but the focus is on my actions, my works, my service, and leads toward trumpet wielding and applause seeking motivations. Again, it’s all about the heart posture. Make room for God to enter into your serving and giving and allow Him to lead. He promises us it will be worth it.

The God of the universe who constructed this magnificent earth and every unique human on it loves and cares for you with the utmost humility. I pray we can be like Christ in this way.

FOR REFLECTION:

• Ask God to join you in mining the depths of your heart today. When giving and serving, what are you holding on to in the name of earthly recognition or achievement? What can you do this week to practice serving with a humble heart posture? 

by Catie Boon