Childlike and Christ-like Humiity
Sam Parsons our worship leader reminds us in a song he wrote that “the best is yet to come.” Even though Sam is being treated for stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he shows by his example that the afflictions of this present world are not to be compared with the glory that shall follow.
The prerequisite for receiving the gospel message is meekness and humility. Jesus taught this lesson to his disciples. According to Matthew 18, “AT the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2. And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,”“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted (turn around,) and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.”
In order to approach a holy God we must forsake our pride. Like a little child who is not ashamed to run to his father for help, we must approach our Heavenly Father with childlike humility. Unless we’re converted, turn from our pride, and become as a little child, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus Christ himself is our example of humility. Philippians 2:3-11 says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,”“and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
To serve our Lord Jesus Christ, we must serve his way and not our way. Jesus often said after he had healed a person, “do not tell anyone about this.” He wasn’t looking for vain glory, but for the praise of his Heavenly Father. Verse 5 says, “let this mind, this attitude be in you which was also in Christ.” His was an attitude of humility. Humility seeks to serve God by serving others. We cannot choose the circumstances of our lives. However, we can choose our attitude. Pete’s wife Susan often said, “Joy is not the absence of pain, rather joy is the presence of the Lord.
Mother Theresa said, “accept what God has given us.” Therefore in all things give thanks. All God requires is that we keep a heart of awe and gratitude.
Each moment in time is an opportunity to demonstrate “the praise of the glory of His grace.” The purpose for which he created us is to praise him no matter the trials and tribulations of life. The test of life is that tribulation worketh patience and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us.
Jesus Christ is our example of humility. He for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. As he was hanging on the cross Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” In that while we were yet sinners Christ died for the ungodly.
Grace is caught and not taught. Jesus Christ was grace personified. We cannot know grace unless we know our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though he was God’s only begotten son, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. Therefore let this attitude be in you which was also in Christ. Let nothing be done in strife or vain glory but let each esteem others better than themselves.
The world’s standard of success is the opposite of God’s definition of success. According to the word of God, meekness and humility are the hallmarks of God’s success. As the Apostle Paul said, “in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” However, he who was without sin became the perfect sacrifice for sin on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in him.
Jesus confronted the Pharisees about their pride and arrogance. He told them a parable about a Pharisee who prayed, “I thank God that I’m not like those sinners over there. I keep the Ten Commandments and all of the Old Testament laws.” The other man, a tax collector, beat his chest and prayed, “Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus asked the Pharisees, “Which prayer do you think God heard?”
Jesus Christ showed us what it means to “humble thyself under the mighty hand of God.” He humbled himself and became obedient, even unto death. Therefore God exalted and lifted him up. That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Our response is our response to God’s ability. For I was crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me……
Victory in Christ is that despite the troubles of this world, we will glorify the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our joy and rejoicing is in the attitude of our spirit. According to Psalm 1, Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law. Doth he meditate day and night. Philippians 2 says that our responsibility is our response to his ability: For it is God who worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure.
May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ,
Michael