Jun 30 – Humble Yourselves!

“Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1 Peter 2:23).

A certain elderly woman used to pray in church saying, “Lord, I am but a worm and an insect. Lord, I am dust—

unclean dust.” A young man mockingly asked her, “Grandma, are you really a worm? Is this the same prayer every week? Is it genuine prayer or just empty words?”

The elderly woman became very angry. “Did you call me grandma? Am I that old? Are you mocking me?” she exclaimed with irritation. The young man teased her further and said, “Grandma, you are not a worm or an insect—you are a snake, a hissing snake!” Everyone around laughed.

Though both worms and snakes live on the ground, there is a great difference between them. A worm does not hiss. But when a snake hisses, it makes a frightening sound and terrifies others. A worm, however, quietly moves along in humility and meekness. Even if it is trampled, it makes no noise. Even when crushed, it does not open its mouth. It has no anger, irritation, or desire for revenge.

Look at Christ, our perfect example. How calm He remained at the foot of the cross! The Bible says: “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7).

Whenever others provoke you or make you angry, remember our Lord Jesus Christ. Even while people nailed Him to the cross, He did not speak harsh or angry words. Instead, He prayed: “Father, forgive them.”

For much of His suffering on the cross, He remained silent. Even when justice was denied to Him, He did not argue for His own rights.

Crucify your anger and irritation at the cross. Do not allow them to rise up within you. The Bible says: “Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:24–26).

Children of God, at times the nature of a snake may try to rise within you. Whenever that happens, remember Lord Jesus and humble yourself like a worm.

Verse for further meditation: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5).