Daily Rest in Christ

Even the smallest acts, done in Christ, become expressions of greatness through humility.

Inspired by the devotional “In Christ” by E. Stanley Jones
Photo credit: Unsplash

E. Stanley Jones offers a grace-filled lens through which to view humility—not as a degrading attitude of self-effacement, but as a natural outflow of knowing one’s true greatness in Christ. The world often confuses humility with inferiority. But Scripture shows us something altogether different: true humility flows from inward security. Jesus, fully aware that everything had been given into His hands, stooped to wash feet. His greatness wasn't diminished by menial service—it was expressed through it.

Jones shares a powerful moment from his own life: cleaning a train toilet in India. For him, it wasn’t an act of humiliation—it was a sacrament. Why? Because in Christ, he had been cleansed of far greater filth. He saw the task not through the lens of status, but gratitude. And that gratitude made even the lowliest act noble. Real humility doesn’t try to prove anything—it flows from knowing we already have everything in Christ.

Journal Entry – The Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture:

You are seated with Me in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. All things are already yours, because you are Mine. I have not merely made you clean—I have made you new. You lack nothing. You don’t need to prove yourself, defend your value, or protect your image. That’s the old pattern, the old man, already crucified with Christ. You are now hidden with Me in God.

It is My delight to express My life through you in simple acts of love. Washing feet or scrubbing toilets doesn’t degrade a person—it glorifies Me. The greatness of the servant is not in what they avoid, but in what they embrace with joy. Just as Jesus, knowing the Father had placed all things into His hands, took up a towel, I now live in you to do the same.

Let your humility flow from your fullness, not from fear. You no longer need to act a part—your part is already secure. You are a vessel of honor, not because of the task at hand, but because of the One within. When I lead you to do the lowly thing, it is My glory descending into the everyday. You are free to serve without shame, because nothing you do for Me is beneath you when everything about Me is above all.

Let this be your joy today: that the greatness of the Son now lives quietly through you. Others may wonder why you stoop, why you show up, why you serve without recognition. Let them wonder. Let them say, “That explains it.”

Scripture References:
Ephesians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; Colossians 3:3; Romans 6:6; John 13:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:21

Prayer – My Voice to God:

Father, how kind You are to fill me with the very life of Your Son. Because of that, I don’t have to search for significance or protect an image—I already have all I need in Christ. You’ve given me a heart that is willing to stoop in love without fearing disgrace. I trust You to live out Your humility through me today. Thank You that You do not ask me to act small; You reveal how great You are in the smallest acts. I rest in this greatness that flows not from me, but from Christ in me. Let that reality mark every moment today. Amen.

Devotional Source:
“In Christ” by E. Stanley Jones
Used with appreciation and acknowledgment.
Photo Credit: Unsplash