The truly humble person helps build others up, not tear them down. He is a stepping-stone, not a stumbling block. Therefore, anything that makes me stumble must be removed from my life; if it is not, I cause others to stumble. Paul used the eye, hand, and foot to illustrate the mutual dependence of members of the body of Christ.

Humility begins with self-examination, and continues with self-denial. Jesus did not suggest that we maim our bodies, for harming our physical bodies can never change the spiritual condition of our hearts.

Rather, He instructed us to perform “spiritual surgery” on ourselves, removing anything that causes us to stumble or that causes others to stumble. The humble person lives for Jesus first and others next—he puts himself last.

He is happy to deprive himself even of good things, if it will make others happy.

Verse for today: “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister, and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26-27).

Also read: Matthew 5:29-30; 18:7-9; 1 Corinthians 12:14-27; Philippians 2:1-18.

Action assignment: Ask God to reveal to you any hidden stumbling block that you may have in your life. Then pray for its removal and trust God for His help. You will experience a new freedom and joy in service to others.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in