READING: James 4:1-5:20, 1 Timothy 1:1-2:15
I’m ashamed to admit this truth, but I remember the days when I was sure I was God’s gift to the kingdom—the brash, confident, seldom wrong, young preacher who was certain he would earn great recognition. Maybe you’ve never battled with ego to that extent, but I can tell you that I have. Humility was not a part of my system.
I know I will always battle with pride, but decades of ministry and life experience have forced me to see myself more honestly. So, I read Paul’s words about his calling today, and they make more sense to me than ever: “I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man” (1 Tim 1:12-13). Paul admitted who he had been, but he also consequently saw God’s great grace in his calling. All the apostle could do was thank the Lord.
That’s all any of us can do today—just thank the Lord.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you wrestle with ego?
DAILY PRAYER: “I thank You, God, for calling me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Timothy 3:1-6:10
