Brengle's Temptation

Samuel Logan Brengle had won hundreds to Christ in his early years of ministry. Then God called him to present himself for use in The Salvation Army. He expected to enter immediately into preaching. Instead, he was told to polish the black boots of the other cadets, the lowliest of jobs.

Down in a dark cellar, Brengle found himself with eighteen pairs of muddy shoes, a can of black shoe polish, and a sharp temptation. The lowliness of the job didn't bother him, but the apparent waste of his time and talent hurt him deeply.

Remembering Jesus' story of the man who buried his talent, Brengle prayed, "Lord, am I burying my talent? Is this the best they can do for me in The Salvation Army? Have I followed my own fancy 3,000 miles to come here to black boots?"

Suddenly, in his imagination, Brengle saw a picture of Jesus bending over and washing His disciples' feet! His Lord--the One who had come from the glories of heaven--was bending over their feet, humbling Himself, taking the form of a servant!

Brengle's heart melted. "Dear Lord, Thou didst wash their feet; I will black their boots!" He tackled his job with enthusiasm, a song on his lips, peace in his heart. Years later he said, "I had fellowship with Jesus every morning for a week while down in that cellar blacking boots. It was the best training I could have had. I was humble, but now I was practicing my humility." Commissioner Brengle later became one of the most beloved and effective preachers in The Salvation Army.

It is one thing to desire to "feel" humble, but another to be able to "practice" humility with joy.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your grace that enables us to accept difficult roles with joy.

"Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest" (Matthew 11:29).