This week, Michael writes that the best is yet to come. The afflictions of this present world are not to be compared with the glory that shall follow.
Matthew 18:1-5 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”
The prerequisite for receiving the gospel message is meekness and humility. Jesus taught this lesson to his disciples. In order to approach a holy and just 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 (born again), turn from our pride (repent), and become as a little child (trust and obey God, abide in Christ and walk in the Spirit), we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus Christ himself is our example of humility. Philippians 2:3-11says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But 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.”
To serve our Lord Jesus Christ, we must serve His way and not our way. Jesus 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. Philippians 2: 5says, "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. 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 an attitude of 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; glory be to God. The test of life is that tribulation works patience and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope makes 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.
Let's continue Michael's message on "Humility" in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
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