16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Dear God, there are times when I can be like a little kid and want others to “look at me!” I don’t fast that often (I should probably fast a lot more), but there are other things that I see myself doing that I think drive me to be the center of attention wherever I go. When I am in a Bible study it is hard for me to remain silent and let others speak because I think I have such a great answer. Even last night, my wife and I were in a Bible study and I seem to find it necessary to come up with a clever line here and there for everyone to hear. Somewhere along the way I never outgrew that need to be noticed.

I can see that tendency in one of my children, and it, frankly, gets annoying. I can’t imagine how my wife puts up with me in this area except that she has just gotten used to it and tunes it out. But I think earlier in our relationship and marriage it was, indeed, a hard part of my personality to get used to. I think she was thinking, Does this guy ever get enough of my attention? Can I ever do enough to satisfy is ego?

The sin in this is that I am supposed to be trying to decrease as you increase. I am supposed to be humble so that others might be drawn to you through me. I am supposed to give you the glory for my accomplishments instead of bragging on myself to others. I am supposed to be at peace in myself, knowing that you are my provision for love, acceptance, peace, and joy.

Father, I learned this simple song about 30 years ago at an FCA conference, and I have never forgotten it. I have gone long stretches without living it, but I have never forgotten it. I will make it my prayer to you today: Make me a servant, humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up those who are weak. And may the prayer of my heart always be, Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant today.