Humility: An FCA Devotional For CompetitorsSample

A Harnessed Power

Ready: “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”   –Proverbs 11:2  

Set: Tigers fascinate me. One of the most exotic creatures God made, I marvel any time I come close to a “tamed” one at the zoo. And I’m even more impressed with the skilled trainers who literally risk their lives to interact with them.

Observing a tamed tiger in the presence of its trainer is a perfect example of how even the greatest power can be harnessed under the proper care. In many ways, it illustrates the biblical trait of humility. Many of us connote humility with weakness. But when true humility is lived out biblically, it is a tame tiger in the presence of its Trainer—power under the control of the Holy Spirit.

That’s certainly not weakness.

In the sports world, there’s no doubt that humility is not the norm. We seem to breed and foster pride in our sports-driven culture. We define success almost exclusively with statistics, records, honors and awards—usually in comparison to others. Our pursuit to exalt ourselves can create an insatiable desire to use things to do just that.

When pride exists and remains it will eventually demote and destroy us. I don’t want to be anywhere close to something God hates. Yet, still, I’m often guilty of a proud spirit. Humility is accurately seeing God for precisely who He is, which then gives us accuracy in how we view ourselves and others. It comes by believing and receiving the Gospel of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to repent and be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

Power under control is developed daily by submission and denial of our flesh through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.   – Ron Brown

Go:

1. In what areas of your life are you prone to pride?
2. Who can help hold you to your desire to submit to a humble spirit?
3. What will it take for you to get your power under the Holy Spirit’s control?

Overtime: It’s tough to battle flesh versus spirit, but You have given me Your Holy Spirit to help me be more like Your Son. Thank You that You are not content to leave me where I am, and I ask that You bring my life under Your Spirit’s authority for Your Kingdom. Amen.

This text appeared in FCA Magazine.