In 1948, Mother Teresa began missionary work among the poor in Calcutta, India. Many years she lived among the destitute to serve their needs, often experiencing loneliness, doubt, and temptation to return to an easy life, but she never gave up. We celebrate Mother Teresa’s dedication to the poor and lowly; yet it has no comparison to the level of humility our Lord endured by coming to earth to show God’s compassion for us. Why would a God as powerful and awesome as our God humble himself to identify with such lowly creatures as we are. The author of Psalm 138, v. 6 celebrated God’s tender compassion for the lowly when he wrote, “Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble.” And after God’s Son came to earth, died to bring us into favor with God, He chooses to live inside of those who accept Him. Think of that—the immense awesome God of the universe humbles himself to live inside of lowly creatures such as we are. In so doing, He gives us significance. He elevates us into royalty. He allows us to serve Him productively in this world even as we await the day He returns to transform our mortal bodies into bodies that will last forevermore. Who would not choose to accept and serve a God like that!
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
