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A Lesson from Mary
Tim Savage38Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1
Each time I read this passage I am awed by the wisdom of Mary’s reply to the angel. Although she was uneducated and poor, her answer revealed a wisdom and reverence religious and world leaders should relentlessly pursue. But it’s not just leaders, this should also be my prayer and anthem. Even in the midst of events that were uncomprehendable, humiliating and dangerous she willingly complied. I have always thought of the angel’s visit as a joyous celebration, but really, she was thrust in to a situation that, as an unmarried young woman, she could face a death sentence by her community and rejection and humiliation from Joseph and her family. Yet, Mary simply submitted to God’s will.
I must submit to God’s will more this next year. I tend to make decisions based on what I want and what’s best for me. I allow myself to be pulled to do things that satisfy my cravings and temptations, knowing they are against God’s will. I must improve in dying to myself and putting Christ first in all that I think, say and do. That means identifying the situations and having the discipline to make proper decisions that glorify my Heavenly Father rather than satisfy a transient craving from my fallen self.
Dear Heavenly Father,
May I have the strength and discipline to glorify You in all that I think, do and say. Please grant me the power to die to myself so that I may live for You.
In Jesus name,Amen
