This week we have been discussing humility. When you think of the word humility, who in your life comes to mind? As people who long to follow the way of Jesus, humility should be one of our deepest longings. Those who exhibit humility are individuals who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and know themselves both as God’s precious children and humble servants.
Two days ago, one such servant, John Waring, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, forever to live in wholeness and glorious worship of his King. John spent his life faithfully serving the Lord here at Emmanuel Faith and around the world. He dedicated his time and resources to loving prisoners, bringing the gospel abroad, serving the Navajo people, and loving and shepherding the Emmanuel Faith Church family as an elder. These things are just a small glimpse of John’s dedication to serving God; all the while, with a humble heart.
Good deeds are valued, but good deeds done in humble love with no desire to receive glory are honored. John would not have wanted this devotional to be written about him; because he was humble. What he would have wanted though is for people to know that his hope was in Jesus. He would long for people to know that his deepest desire was for Jesus to be lifted high, magnified and worshiped. He would long for people to understand and believe in the saving and freeing power and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to save the world from sin and captivity. He would want people to know that his hope was in the knowledge that someday he would meet his Lord and get to spend eternity worshiping Him.
John lived the life of a humble servant here on earth. Today he is standing face to face with his Lord, hearing the words of Matthew 25:23, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
John was a broken human being who modeled the humble life of a man saved by grace. What are you doing today to show others, in humility, of your deep love for Jesus?
(John Waring was a current EFCC elder, and passed away from complications due to COVID-19 on August 18. He was vaccinated and took the virus seriously, but ultimately the Lord holds all of our days and has them numbered. John will be dearly missed.)
Written on behalf of the EFCC Staff & Board of Elders