One Of Today's Greatest Temptations

Thursday, March 25, 2021
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "O Jesus I Have Promised"1 (Lyrics)

Philippians 2:5,7-8 – Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who … made Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (KJV)

"Is this guy any good?" I heard a customer ask my husband, as I came downstairs into our tiny bookshop in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was holding a copy of The Great Code: The Bible As Literature. The back cover of the book was a full-face picture of the author, a world-renowned critic and scholar, Northrup Frye.

"Oh no. I certainly wouldn't recommend him," my husband said, shaking his head and frowning, but not having the faintest idea who he was talking about, never having read or even heard of Frye's inspired, heartfelt work.

But to my horror, as I stopped on the stairs, looking down, I saw that Frye himself stood behind them listening, with an amused grin on his lovely old face.

Oh, why did I ever allow my husband to run the shop occasionally? Northrup Frye's office was nearby at the university. He occasionally dropped in, but so far, it had been while I was behind the counter.

My personal experience with Frye had always been of being treated as an equal by a thoughtful and humble human being. As I came on downstairs, he bought a book from my husband and gave me a little hand wave, still smiling, as the shop door closed behind him.

A celebrity once demanded of Groucho Marx, "Do you know who I am?" "No," Marx said. "Don't you know either?" "The fatter the head, the bigger the target!" someone said. "I can't learn anything without humility, which is not thinking less of myself but thinking of myself, less."

Today, big tech and small screens conspire together to lure us into a quagmire of misery as we pay them homage, begging their approval with our every click on their names.

All through the gospels, Jesus used many parables to teach us the value of humility, loving and serving others. In these days of social media, there has never been more temptation to strive for fame and status, to become important in the eyes of the world, to be rated as influencers.

With the constant barrage of opportunity calling to us from every media screen, let us turn instead to God's call — a simple life of sacrifice, fitting ourselves as His children, all self laid aside, to do only His will today.

Prayer: O Father God, we thank You for Your Son, our Saviour, bowing His meek head to mortal pain and offering Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. How can we do less than to honour and obey Him as we walk with Him in a world full of preening egos? "Not I but Christ," we say, as we choose today to take up our crosses and follow where He leads. Keep our willing souls ever by His side and make us pure within, free of the need for any praise but Yours. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rose DeShaw <rise370@gmail.com>
Kingston, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    A good reminder, Rose.


    Another beautiful devotion. Thanks Rose.


    Sounds like a great author Rose, thanks and God bless!


    Thank you Rose for this thoughtful devotional. Blessings.


    Great illustration! Thanks, and blessings on your day,
    (BC)


    Dear Rose,
    I loved your story and your great application.


    Rose, another great devotional today. You are a treasure.
    Happy Easter.


    Thanks for sharing rose.
    Lovely piece.
    God bless you and yours in Jesus’ name.


    Hi Rose,
    Thank you so much for your thoughts today… wise words, indeed.
    Carry on.


    Dear Rose,
    What an uncomfortable position you were in at the bookstore. Amen and Amen to your prayer.


    So well said, Rose, and my husband would have probably said the very same thing as yours did!
    We have 8 wonderful grandchildren. When they come to our ranch, there is a box in which they put their phones. Unfortunately, I seem to be unable to do the same for our children!
    Thanks, Rose, for your writing.


    Hello Rose,
    A very good devotional you have written and a great reminder to follow the path on which our loving Lord leads us. His guidance helps us to refrain from sin and any kind of evilness and should we stray but confess our wrongdoing He is willing to forgive. God is so good!
    Blessings for the devotional writings you contribute.


    Rose,
    Thank you for this wonderful reflection and important reminder.
    There are many voices screening for our attention- and many wanted to influence.
    A wise and humble spirit focused on Jesus, is a challenge.
    Thanks for sharing these words.
    (Ontario)


    Good morning Rose,
    I enjoy your devotionals and they help to keep me aware of when I stray. It is very hard to stay humble in this world and Jesus know that. I am blessed that people share their experiences and in gentle ways remind me of what is important and how I can be lured away from God. Thanks for sharing honestly to help us stay focused on what is important. As I join in your prayer with you, I start my day on a firm setting.


    A good one Rose
    The pandemic has really brought the best and worse out of people.
    There’s the fight to get the vaccine, between counters and people… ‘me first’.
    Then the creative ways others are finding to serve others.
    What would Jesus do?
    You have given the answer.


    Good afternoon Rose,
    A good devotional about humility.
    Thank you for writing.


    Great devotional Rose. I can imagine your horror as you stood on the steps!
    Blessings.

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