As we have lived through these past months of pandemic, quarantine, isolation, and the race to the White House, I have realized more and more the importance and power of humility. Humility is often confused with being quiet or fearful or a doormat.
Humility is anything but those things.
I recently joined Community Bible Study and we are studying the Gospel of John. In the first chapter, soon after John introduces us to “The Word,” he tells us part of John the Baptist’s story. His story is a wonderful lesson in humility. (John 1: 13-38)
We have to look to the other gospels as well to get the whole beautiful story which I hope you take the time to read in Luke Chapter 1, Matthew Chapter 3 and Chapter 11:1-24, and Mark 1:1-11.
Humility demands that we have an accurate assessment of our strengths and weaknesses, your giftedness and your place in God’s plan. John the Baptist understood his calling, his place in God’s plan, and accepted it fully. He always clarified to whoever asked that he was not the Messiah but the one who was called to prepare the way for the Messiah.
How did John the Baptist embody humility?
- He was clear about his identity – who he was and was not.
- He squelched any thoughts of rivalry with Jesus
- He knew his success came from heaven.
- He prepared the way and made the path straight for people to recognize and follow Christ. He exalts Jesus above himself.
- He understood that he must decrease.
- He was obedient even in the face of hardship and eventual death.
- He viewed things in light of eternity.
- He never complained about his place or purpose.
- He was joyful at Jesus’ success and was happy to see his disciples leave and follow Christ.
John knew his calling was to prepare the way and then get out of the way.
What can we learn from John the Baptist about humility that we can take into our ministry work at the Pregnancy Center?
- We need to clearly know our strengths and weaknesses.
- We must trust God to use us as we believe our success comes from heaven.
- We prepare the way for the Lord to do the work in the clients. Humility builds safety and earns us the right to speak into their lives but the Lord does the real heart work.
- We have a clear calling to speak the truth in love that can give us strength in the face of hardships and difficulties we might have while ministering at the Pregnancy Center
- We must see our work at the Pregnancy Center in light of eternity. The results of what we do and the people we serve is often unknown or uncertain in terms of outcomes. We must trust that the Lord is in control. We must not be deterred or frustrated by our lack of knowledge concerning the outcomes of our times with clients. If we have done the best possible job in loving and caring for a client we must trust that the Lord is able to carry her and call her no matter what she decides. Every Pregnancy Center has stories of clients they thought would choose an abortion but found out months or even years later that the client chose to carry to term and parent their child.
- We must not compare ourselves to others but trust that the Lord will give us the grace to complete our mission with his help. Remember God created you in all your gifts and uniqueness and he never compares you with anyone else.
- Be joyful and celebrate both the small and large accomplishments of yourself and others.
- Prepare the way and get out of the way. What is your job in preparing the way and making the path straight for a client to meet Jesus while they are at the Pregnancy Center? Sometimes we must decrease after our job is completed and let the Father, Son and Holy Spirit do their job.
Jesus’ words about John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11a)
“I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.”
I hope that these insights might give you a new perspective for training your volunteers on the concept of humility during your initial volunteer training.
I would love to hear about how you teach on the concept of humility. We could all use an extra dose of humility during these trying times.
Peace,
Cyndi