For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:13
“Despite what many believe, the teaching that “God helps those who help themselves” is not found in the Bible. In fact, this sentiment couldn’t be further from the narrative of Scripture. It’s a cliché misused to justify our fear and insecurity, which stems from a mindset based on scarcity and that prioritizes the individual over the community.
Help yourself first has never been God’s message. Put yourself first has never been the gospel narrative. Jesus was the embodiment of the opposite teaching: that sacrificial love means putting others first. He made it clear that those who constantly put themselves first will be last; that those who consistently exalt themselves will be made humble.”
Joseph Yoo in Saving Grace: Hope-Filled Devotions Along the Way to Financial Well-Being (Nashville: Abingdon, 2020) 79.
The new header photo features Reverend Elswith Clare preaching from Luke’s Gospel at St. Luke Methodist Church in Belize City last Sunday on the importance of being disciples of Jesus who appear as activists. Do you actively live out your faith?
Yoo rightly notes that this way of living emerges as the opposite of the worldly mindset that puts yourself first. I hear too often people talk about self-care and forget about others. I think we must intentially as God to care for us so that we can care for others.
Reflect today on the sacrificial love of Jesus as a model for our humble and generous living, giving, serving, and loving. Let us humble ourselves and follow in His footsteps. He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. May He lavish His grace on each of us in abundance.