Matthew 18:10-14

“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has 100 sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the 99 on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the 99 that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost."
 

Today's Reflective Questions

• How have arrogance and pride in your life hindered your relationship with God and others?
• Which behaviors, disciplines, or teachings of Christ reveal his humble spirit?
• What steps will you take this week to develop a heart more open to God so you may embody a spirit of humility?

This Week's Lenten Focus: Humility

This Lenten season, Bishop David Wilson, along with some conference staff and members of the laity, are inviting the people of the Great Plains Conference and beyond to “Pay Attention to God’s Voice” during this season of Lent. The theme for this week is Humility.

Humility is freeing ourselves from the false wisdom of arrogance and pride and emerges when our heart becomes pliable to the presence and righteousness of God. The season of Lent is a time of deep self-examination and true acknowledgement of what we are willing to put aside to fully embrace and embody our God.  

Humility is not an automatic response for us. It is challenging for us to turn away from the urging of our inner desires and to put ourselves aside in the interest of God and others; however, God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to do so. If we are humble enough to obediently submit and surrender to God, we experience restoration, and our lives are beautifully transformed. We become more peaceful, more loving, and more giving and forgiving. 

Through the presence of humility, we develop hearts of gratitude and we become more self-aware of who we are in Christ. Through the presence of humility, our choices remove us more and more from the urgings of the world and draw us nearer and closer to God.

• Watch a video featuring Rev. Kathy Williams and Rev. Orlando Gallardo Parra talking about humility. 
• Watch a video featuring Bishop David Wilson inviting you to observe a Holy Lent.
• To learn more, check out this special page on our website dedicated to our Lenten topics.

Invitation to Go Deeper

Once or twice a week, engage in a practice of self-denial (fasting and prayer, ministry to the poor, seeking the good of another, sacrificing a privilege or choice that may be harming another). Reflect on how you are renouncing your old self and creating a new self in Christ.

Prayer for Reflection

Other texts from today’s lectionary:
Psalm 32
Exodus 34:1-9, 27-28