Drawn to the Gospel

You’re probably familiar with the story of a vain frog who prided himself was the biggest and finest of all frogs. One day, he saw an ox passing by and began puffing himself up to match its size. “Am I as big as the ox now?” he kept asking his friends as he continued to inflate himself. Until he finally burst.

Strangely enough, that frog reminds me of what can happen the more we learn about God. Whether through study, YouTube sermons, podcasts, or years’ experience of being involved in church life, it’s easy to feel spiritually inflated. Of course, growing in our knowledge of God is good and important, but when it leads to pride rather than humility, we’ve missed the point. Instead of drawing near to others, we can grow distant, thinking we are more spiritual because of what we know.

When we truly encounter the God who is infinite, holy, all-wise, full of mystery, and majesty, shouldn’t it humble us? Plus, the fact that this God has come near to us in Jesus should deflate any sense of superiority. James reminds us:

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

The goal of knowing God is not to puff up, but to bow low—to become more like Him in love, humility, and grace.

Reflection Questions

• What is one area in my life where God might be calling me to grow in humility this week?
• How can I humbly serve others based on what I know about and experience with God?
• Is there someone I’ve been avoiding or judging that I need to approach with grace and humility?

This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.