Friday, January 15, 2016

Oh Lord It's Hard to be Humble – Part 2 - Follow the Master


James 4:1 "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor."

Michael continues that First Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the "love chapter."  Love is also the character of Jesus Christ himself. Love is patient, love is kind.  Love behaveth itself not unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked.  Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Love never fails – vs. 4-7. Love and Humility go hand in hand.  Humility never takes advantage of others to get ahead. Humility is the opposite of pride. According to Proverbs 16:18, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

According to the world, revenge and retribution is our "right" to recompense those who have wronged us. However the scripture says, bless them that revile you and unjustly accuse you and despitefully use you... for great is your reward in heavenLuke 6:28.  To follow the Master means to give your heart to Him in a fresh new way. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men – Romans 12:17. The Lord is at hand. The Lord gives us grace to ask forgiveness for those to whom God has called us to minister to. Jesus prayed from the cross: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” If any man comes to bring his gift to the altar and has anything against his brother, Jesus said, "first go forgive your brother and then come and bring your gift to the altar" – Matthew 5:23-24.

Jesus Christ, himself, set the example of humility. According to Philippians 2:7-11, Jesus Christ made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The old Mac Davis comedy song may say: “Oh, Lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way.” But, the prayer of the humble says, "Have thine own way, Lord.  Have thine own way.  Thou art the potter, I am the clay.  Mold me and make me after thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.


May God richly bless you,
Your brother in Christ, Michael 

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