Daily Devotion

“If you ask me what the most important qualification for a pastor is, I will answer: humility. If you ask a second and a third question, I will still answer: humility. Because without humility, even the most correct truth will become a tool of pride.”

Augustine · The Letters of Saint Augustine

Scripture

1 Peter 5:5–6 All of you, clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another, for God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore to God’s mighty hand, that in due time he may lift you up.

Reflection

Augustine reminded me that the most important qualification for ministry is not ability, experience, or effectiveness, but humility. 1 Peter says that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. If I unknowingly exalt myself in my service, even when preaching the truth, I may lose God's grace. True shepherding is surrendering oneself to God's mighty hand, giving all results to Him.