How Low Will You Go

Day 6 - Forklifts

“Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.” 1 Corinthians 13:4

Have you ever checked out a forklift and watched how it operates? Forklifts are exceedingly powerful. They are made out of solid steel and they have great weightiness and substance. The hydraulic power they possess is capable of lifting thousands of pounds. They are usually painted bright yellow with flashing lights on top so that they stick out. In spite of all of this, the whole life of a forklift is spent getting low. In fact, it is designed to get lower than everything else in order to lift low things higher.

To me a forklift is one of the clearest examples of true humility. Humility is not weakness. A humble person is someone who is strong and powerful and yet purposefully gets low so that they can lift others up to new heights. It takes great power and strength to lift others up. Being humble doesn’t mean that you fade into the woodwork. In fact, truly humble people (like forklifts) tend to stick out and be very noticeable.

This is what Jesus did when He came to earth. He lowered Himself more than everyone and even died on the cross for the express purpose of lifting us up to heaven. He didn’t fade into obscurity but stood out everywhere He went. Jesus was always serving and helping people— healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the hungry, and raising the dead. He elevated everyone’s life He came into contact with. Ultimately through His death and resurrection Jesus elevated all who would believe in Him all the way up to heaven. That’s why people came by the thousands just to catch a glimpse of Him, to hang on His every word.

When we are humble we will use our time, talents, and money to lift up those that are struggling. Humility looks like a seasoned mom coming alongside a new mom and supporting her through the early years. It looks like spending time with a friend who is going through a tough time emotionally. It looks like helping a fellow student who is struggling to study for the final exam. Be a forklift today and ask God to show you who you can lift up.

Challenge: Think of someone you know who is struggling or has a need. Take a moment and pray for them and ask God to bless and help them. Next, decide what you can do practically to lift them up (physically, emotionally, finically, etc.) and establish the date and time you are going to act.

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