And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith
unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of
all, and servant of all. –Mark 9:35 (KJV)
It’s human nature to want to pat ourselves on the
back every once in a while or toot our own horns, as the old saying
goes. Someone has suggested the reason God created us as He did
is so that we cannot reach back and pat our own backs. Jesus reminded His disciples in Mark 9 that if
we seek to be great we must first become servants to all. This
is a hard pill for many of us to swallow. So, if I want to be
great in God’s kingdom, I must get there be being everyone’s servant.
Bingo. Jesus taught that if we exalt ourselves we are going to
be humbled. One the other hand, if we humble ourselves we will
be exalted.
Jesus also said in Luke 14:7-11 that if we are invited
to a banquet do not choose the seat of honor. The host might tell
you in front of everyone that you are in the wrong seat and you will
be embarrassed (humbled) at having to move. Instead, choose a
seat away from the head table. The host might then come to you
and invite you to a better seat, and there in the presence of all the
guests you are honored. Jesus was using this parable as an illustration as
to how we are to approach everyday life. If we truly seek to walk
in the power of Christ each day then humility is a must. Humility
involves a humble heart, attitude, and spirit. Humility is always
more concerned about the needs of others over our own.
I mentioned in another post about how contented people
are also connected to people. If we have built into our lives
meaningful relationships through which we can minister and encourage
others we will be blessed. Let me add to this contented people
are also humble people. Humility frees us from the burden of always
trying to place ourselves ahead of everyone else. The contentment
which comes from a humble spirit is the joy of being released from always
having to be first. What follows is a blessed formula for peace.
Humility produces patience, which brings calm, which creates stability,
which equals peace. Christ makes all this possible through faith
in Him. Humility allows us to focus on what truly needs done without
getting bogged down in life’s minor irritations.
By the power of Christ we have the ability to step
back and allow others to have the glory and recognition. We are
empowered to rest in the knowledge that the Lord knows of our accomplishments,
which is enough, and He will give us recognition at the proper time.
Therefore, relax, walk forward in faith, develop the humble spirit Jesus
was talking about, and stop worrying. God has a plan, and you
are a vital part of it.
God bless you today.is
