Devotions for Kids: Helping with Humility

Devotions for Kids is a series meant for sharing so that everyone - family and community - can spend time in God's Word together with the children in their lives and grow in faith.

When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

Luke 17:10

What kinds of chores do you have at your house?  Maybe you have to put all your toys away every night before you go to bed, or maybe your family expects you to help clear the table after dinner.  You might even have chores that you're asked to do only every once in a while, like helping with yardwork before company arrives.  When you finish your choes, you probably don't expect your family to give you a big prize or throw you a party, right?  Of course not!  You just did what you were supposed to do because you were asked to do it.

Today, Jesus is teaching us about a worker who does a lot of hard work.  When the worker finishes one job (like working in the field), the boss responds by giving the worker another job (like preparing a meal).  The boss doesn't give praise to the worker or reward the worker in any special way because the worker was just doing their job - the same way you do your chores.

We are invited to think the same way about all the good works we do to serve God and serve others.  When you decide to share your snack with a sibling, help a friend who is confused about how to do their homework, or let someone else have a turn on the swing at the park, you do it because it's the right thing to do, not because you want to get something out of it.

We call this kindness "humility" which means being honest about the good things you do without thinking they make you better than anyone else.  When we act with humility, we're not looking for rewards or praise; we make the right choice because we love God and being kind and helpful to others is something God asks of us.  

Today, think of one helpful thing you can do for a family member or friend as a practice in humility.  You might clean up a mess you didn't make, set the table before you're asked, or give someone you love a hug just because.  When you're finished wtih your helpful task, instead of letting everyone know what you did, tell only God and let God know that you just helped someone in a way that He wants you to help.

Let's pray: God, thank You for the gift of humility.  Sometimes I want praise for the good things I do, and sometimes I deserve that praise.  Other times, though, I need to make the choice to help just because it's the right thing to do.  Help me to know those moments and then celebrate those good things with me!  Amen.