Daily Companion | 19 January
THE PARABLE OF THE TOH BIRD: A LESSON OF HUMILITY
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind. Acts 20:19.
The Toh bird was so beautiful and admired, but it was however proud and bad-tempered. It would not work like other birds, out of concern about the beauty of its long multicoloured tail. Others would prepare its food, sleeping area and build its nests. The Toh bird essentially did nothing.
One night, the wise owl told the birds that a terrible storm was coming such that would only come once in 50 years. So, they needed to prepare a shelter to survive. While every bird was busy building a fortress, Toh bird did nothing until compelled to help. Yet, it did little, got so tired so soon and went to hide inside a cave but its tail fit wouldn’t fit in. It slept off.
The storm came, lasted for a day and eventually stopped. After the storm, all the birds came out of the fortress. But when Toh came out, all other birds began to laugh. The storm had almost completely destroyed his gorgeous, majestic tail. Embarrassed, the Toh bird returned to the cave and never left it again.
The punishment for its pride and selfishness is now having to live alone in a secluded place, a cave till date.
Dear friend, are you like the Toh bird, lazy, proud and ill-mannered? You like giving orders, being praised or honoured yet you cannot serve others with humility.
Our Lord Jesus said, Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave (Matthew 20:26,27).
Apostle Paul said, If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself (Galatians 6:3). I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man.... not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly. (Romans 12:3).
The Mayans have passed down the parable of the Toh bird for many years. Through it, young people have been imparted the value of upholding humility, showing kindness and assistance to others around them.
Today’s Recite: And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12).
Today’s Morning Prayer:
- O God, I Thank You for another new day. Thank You for today’s lesson. Grant me Your grace to be humble.
- Remove every trait of laziness, pride and arrogance from me. Help me to be useful and helpful to others.
- Wherever I find myself today, let me be a positive impact to others. Bless the work of my hand. For ask all in Jesus mighty name. Amen
Today’s Hymn: Just As I Am
Today ReadMe: Exodus 4 – 6
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