Recently, my thirteen-year-old grandson played the little drummer boy in our church musical, “The Gift of Christmas.” It was a lead role, yet he was not under a spotlight. Instead, he was in semi-darkness covered in a shepherd’s cloak. As I watched, I thought how appropriate this picture of humility in leadership was. The cloak prevented the altar from becoming a stage.
Then there was the young soldier who received a new suit of armor. He stepped out into the brightness of the day but was quickly blinded by the glare his suit created. His friend placed a dirty cloak over him. At first he resisted, but his wise friend reminded him that without the cloak he was vulnerable to defeat because of the blindness created by the glare.
Without the cloak of humility, we can be blinded by our position, authority, and anointing. Not only are we blinded to the attacks of the enemy, we are also blinded to the truth of God. It may take the humiliation of a fall to see this. Humility keeps us focused on God’s building through us rather than us building for Him.
Through humility, we display the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ. Without humility, the message can become buried in showmanship. With humility, we declare how good God is. By using humility in our declaration, we give the gift back to God just as it came: good and perfect.
Picture yourself like my grandson: no face and no name, only the drum. Then use your gifts to display God’s glory, not showcase your own talent. Wear the cloak of humility, for without it the enemy will surely take you down.
Remove yourself from the limelight so others can see God.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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As a Christian woman, Renee Hymel feels strongly about encouraging others. She believes we are called to encourage each other as we ourselves have been encouraged. Renee has the opportunity to spend much time alone with the Lord and has reaped encouragement from Him which she passes on to others. She believes every situation in life, good or bad, has a lesson if we remain teachable. Out of these situations come devotions for the benefit of others. Renee is currently in leadership at The Church International and leads the Worldwide Mom’s Day of Prayer ministry along with a ladies life group. Regardless of the title or position, she believes she is called to build, equip, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord.