Thoughts for the Day

Tag: Humility

  • The Only Opinion That Ultimately Matters

    “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” — 1 John 3:20

    Someone once shared a thought that has stayed with me:

    “Sometimes maturing in Christ means letting people believe things about you that aren’t true, remaining quiet, and trusting God to defend you.”

    That isn’t always easy.

    Everything inside us wants to explain ourselves, defend our motives, and make sure everyone knows our side of the story.

    Sometimes that’s appropriate.

    Paul defended his ministry. Jesus answered honest questions. Scripture never teaches us to remain silent in every situation.

    But it does teach us that there comes a point where our confidence must rest in something greater than public opinion.

    I’ve often said:

    “What God knows about me is infinitely more important than what people think or say about me.”

    Think about David.

    As he fled Jerusalem, Shimei cursed him, threw stones at him, and publicly accused him. David’s soldiers wanted to silence the man immediately.

    David refused.

    Instead, he entrusted his reputation to God.

    Think about Jesus.

    He was called a deceiver, a blasphemer, demon possessed, and a friend of sinners. Many of the accusations He simply allowed to stand unanswered because His mission was greater than winning the court of public opinion.

    The older I get, the more I realize that maturity isn’t learning how to win every argument.

    It’s learning which ones don’t need to be won.

    If every misunderstanding demands an explanation…

    If every criticism demands a rebuttal…

    If every accusation demands a defense…

    We’ll spend our lives trying to manage our image instead of cultivating our character.

    That doesn’t mean we ignore godly correction. In fact, mature believers should welcome correction when it’s true.

    But false assumptions, rumors, and misunderstandings are different.

    Sometimes the greatest act of faith is quietly continuing to live a life of integrity and allowing time—and God—to reveal the truth.

    One day, none of us will stand before our critics.

    We won’t stand before Facebook.

    We won’t stand before our friends.

    We won’t stand before those who misunderstood us.

    We will stand before God.

    And on that day, what He knows about us will matter infinitely more than what anyone ever thought or said about us.

    So don’t spend your life chasing the approval of people.

    Pursue the approval of the One who already knows your heart.

    Final Word

    Your reputation is what people believe about you.

    Your character is who you are when only God sees.

    Invest more energy in your character than your reputation.

  • Strength in Simplicity

    In the 15 years I lived with Mums & Dad prior to his passing in November 1988, just 4 days before his 74th birthday, he was often quiet…never having a lot to say. But if he did speak, you knew it was going to be something to hang your hat on.

    Over the years, I worked side by side with him on various projects around the house and in the garden, and in those times he helped to instill in me the values that I’ve tried to uphold, but have so often failed. And, he taught me about the things that truly matter in life, but wealth and popularity were nowhere on that list. What is, however, I present here…

    • Gentleness & tenderness are often greater strengths than force & intimidation.
    • A man’s true strength comes from kneeling before God, rather than posturing before men.
    • Hard work may never make you rich, but you must always give everything you’ve got to whatever you do.
    • Never turn away a stranger in need because you don’t know when you’ll be walking in their shoes.
    • Always look for the beauty in nature.
    • Fishing isn’t necessarily about catching fish.

    Having said that, I’ve been thinking lately about what that really means. And this is what I’ve arrived at.

    The world tells us strength is about dominance—being the loudest voice in the room, the firmest handshake, the most intimidating presence. But real strength often looks quite different. Gentleness and tenderness require far more courage than force and intimidation. The writer of Proverbs tells us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Jesus could have crushed His enemies with a word, yet He chose to serve, to heal, to love. That’s the kind of strength that changes the world.

    A man isn’t strong because he stands tall before others—he’s strong because he kneels before God. James, in his letter to the church at Jerusalem, advised them to “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). Pride puffs up, but humility brings true power. The moment we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers, that we need something greater than ourselves, is the moment we find the strength to stand firm. Posturing before men may earn their respect for a time, but bowing before God secures an eternal foundation.

    And then there’s hard work. It may never make you rich in the way the world defines wealth, but that was never the goal anyway. The reward isn’t just in the paycheck—it’s in the diligence, the perseverance, the satisfaction of giving your best. In Paul’s admonitions to the church at Collossi, his instructions included “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). Whether the world notices or not, God does.

    Life has a way of humbling us, reminding us that we’re all just one moment away from needing grace ourselves. That’s why we should never turn away a stranger in need. And a very personal experience when I was about 10 or 11 illustrated the wisdom of Paul when he said, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). You never know when you’ll be the one hoping for a hand, a kind word, or a bit of mercy. The Good Samaritan didn’t ask if the wounded man was worthy—he simply helped. That’s what love does.

    Amid the grind, don’t forget to look up. The beauty of nature is one of God’s simplest, yet most profound gifts. King David, in a way that only he could with his gift of poetry and his very personal relationship with the Creator, stated, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). A golden sunrise, a bird’s song, the way the trees dance in the wind—it’s all a reminder of His presence, His artistry, His goodness.

    And sometimes, life is like fishing. It’s not always about what you catch—it’s about the experience, the patience, the stillness. The psalmist summed it up best when he said,“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). It’s about learning to enjoy the moment, to find peace in the waiting. Some of the best days on the water don’t end with a full net, just a full heart.

    So walk gently, work hard, give freely, and take in the beauty around you. There’s more to life than power and success. Sometimes, the greatest strength is found in the simplest things.

  • Standing Firm in Faith

    1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NKJV)
    “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

    In these two verses, the Apostle Paul provides a profound reminder that our spiritual journey is fraught with challenges and temptations, yet it is also enveloped in God’s unfailing faithfulness.

    “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” This exhortation encourages us to remain humble and aware of our weaknesses. It’s easy to feel secure in our faith and stand tall in our own strength, but it is precisely during these times that we must be vigilant. Acknowledging our human vulnerability allows us to rely not on our own strength, but on the grace and power of God.

    As we reflect on this warning, let’s consider areas in our lives where we might feel strong or self-sufficient. In those moments, prayerfully ask God to give you humility and a deeper reliance on Him. This is not a call to live in fear of falling but an invitation to cultivate a life rooted in dependence on God’s strength.

    The following verse provides a comforting assurance: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man.” Here, Paul emphasizes that we are not alone in our struggles. All human beings experience temptation; it is a universal aspect of the human condition. When we realize that others face similar challenges, it normalizes our experiences and fosters a sense of community. This recognition encourages us to reach out to fellow believers for support and encouragement, reminding us that we can bear one another’s burdens.

    Yet, the heart of these verses lies in the promise of God’s faithfulness: “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.” This assurance is pivotal. God understands our limits and does not place us in situations we cannot handle. His faithfulness assures us that our trials are under His sovereign control. In times of struggle, take a moment to reflect on this promise. Trust that God is aware of your situation and is preparing you for victory even when challenges arise.

    Finally, Paul reveals the divine provision: “but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” Each temptation comes with the promise of escape. God does not merely leave us to fend for ourselves; He provides a way through, whether it be strength, wisdom, or a path of avoidance. Actively seek the “way of escape” God provides when faced with temptation—this could come through prayer, scripture, or the wise counsel of trusted friends.

    As you navigate your journey of faith, remember the importance of humility, recognize that you are not alone in your struggles, trust in God’s faithfulness, and be diligent in looking for His provision during times of temptation.

    May this reflection deepen your understanding of God’s provision in times of struggle, encouraging you to stand firm in faith and reliance on Him.

    Prayer
    Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and the assurance that I am never alone in my struggles. Help me to remain humble and vigilant, always turning to You in times of temptation. May I trust in the ways of escape You provide, and may my life reflect Your glory as I navigate the trials of this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.