With humility you don't always have to show your ability!

I remember when my older kids were young. I introduced them to one of my favorite childhood video games - Super Mario Kart. I'll be honest, I wanted to run them off the road, hit them with every weapon I had, and speed across the checkered finish line with ease proving that daddy was the boss. Instead, I would often (but not all the time) drive slower around the turns, not fire my weapon, and root them on so that they might win the race. After they'd win, I'd say 'oh man you got me!' The truth is, even though I had the ability to win, I'd find more delight in their winning the race.

In Mark chapter 4:1-2 "Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around Him was so large that He got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. He taught them many things..."

I find it interesting that this same Jesus who taught from a boat on the lake was the same Jesus in Mark chapter 6 that walked on water. He had the ability to teach standing on the water but chose 'to teach them many things' from a boat. In reflecting on this passage one day God told me, Jesus in His humility chose not to use His ability.

We find this consistent throughout Jesus' ministry. Even when being captured to be put on trial and ultimately suffer a terrible crucifixion, Jesus decided to not show His ability saying, "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?'"(Matthew 26:53 NIV) You see if Jesus chose to defend Himself He would have been defended. Instead, "He humbled Himself to death, even death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8).

Had Jesus used His ability while teaching on the water, perhaps His listeners would be more mesmerized with His standing on the water than hearing the words that stood to benefit them. Had Jesus called down angels to His defense, His death, burial, and resurrection would not have given his followers a shot at forgiveness and eternal life. Humility says 'I desire to use my ability when it stands to benefit others.'

This truth my friend can apply to every area of your life in practical ways. Whether it's how you interact with others on a work-team, a project at school, playing a sport, hanging out with friends, introducing yourself to a stranger, or simply playing Super Mario Kart with your family. In every interaction ask the Lord to guide your heart by asking yourself 'how will using (or not using) my ability benefit those around me?' Choosing when and when not to demonstrate your strengths can help others succeed. This is the daily race worth winning.

I'd love to hear how this thought is relevant for you today; or how these thoughts after being put into action have helped you navigate your journey with others and Jesus!