Humbly Go

People sometimes have a gentle nature. But this is not the same as the humility of the great and powerful God-person that is Jesus. Natural people don’t have the ability to represent our humble Savior when worldly forces are humiliating them. Then how is it possible for us to humbly go and represent the humble Gospel of Jesus to the world? The secret of course is contained in a new life that is provided by the power of the Spirit. 

God’s nature is pure love, among other things. A human can humble themselves when they have a pure love for someone. The Bible tells us: Always be humble…because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with (love and) peace. Eph 4:2-3 (NLT). The powerful new covenant that God has given has the purpose of changing our old nature to give us love for others.

The reality is, that compared to God, we are nothing and serving others is a lofty goal. The Scripture says: …all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God. 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NLT). Peter also says that there will be great reward for those who humbly accept their place. Adhering to Jesus is not about logic but our faith in God.

Our reasoning might say that humility will not work in this world. But Jesus said: Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt 20:26-29 (NLT). We must accept that God’s goals are far above any human capability. 

Jesus came to earth for many reasons. One reason was to be an example to every human of the way God is. The night before the Son of God died, He got down on knees before the twelve disciples and did the unthinkable. Since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. John 13:14-15 (NLT). God’s son did this and yet we refuse to do the same?

True humility is rare and is only possible by the power contained in the new covenant. The old covenant people could never reach the place of true humility. This is because they did not have the crucified Son of God. The Bible says: He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Phil 2:7-8 (NLT). 

Humans had never seen such humility. Most of them could not even understand what had happened. In fact people today cannot really understand until the Spirit reveals the truth to them individually. Each Christian must allow the humbleness of Jesus to be our priority as we go into the world with the Good News. The Savior has done so much for us that our thankfulness should humbly shine forth as the Spirit directs our daily life.

Continuing Word of God

Humans can usually make a great start on some goal. Unfortunately they will then come to some problem that stops the work. These difficulties can be varied including money, time, planning, and materials among others. Sometimes people are blocked by mental or physical problems. The point is that people are constantly failing however our God has never known a failure. It only makes sense for people to depend on God’s help. 

Jesus himself taught people this truth: If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples indeed; John 8:31 (KJV). Every person who dedicates their life to the Lord must learn that God expects them to remain with Him forever. The Spirit is continually encouraging us because people have a difficult time finishing what they start. Being a part of God’s family is also a factor that helps us maintain our dedication. 

Our sinful nature is the root problem. Thankfully the continuing Word of God has the power to change our nature and eventually lead us into a perfect life. The Bible says: And this Word continues to work in you who believe. 1 Thess 2:13 (NLT). Christians are on a journey from their sinful position in life to the most wonderful life ever possible. God’s word has the power and it will not stop until it is completed. 

Many times a poor person has an extra motive to depend on God. Hunger and hardship is something that can motivate extra dependence and devotion. Paul tells us about some poor woman: …A widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 1 Tim 5:5 (KJV). Anything that pushes us into trusting the Lord can become our friend. It is great to rely on Him.

One of the responsibilities we have as a member of God’s family is protecting the purity of our faith. There are people who will spread bad interpretations of the Gospel. Christians must stand-up against these human ideas. The Bible says: I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. Jude 1:3 (NLT). No one should pervert the truth about Jesus. 

The new covenant is written in our heart. But many people today want to write down the law and make people follow their “wisdom”. This is the reason we have so many different denominations. In order to continue in the truth of the Word we must allow the Spirit of truth to lead us. This will happen when we read God’s word and pray every day. If we fail to do this our own thinking will quickly lead us astray. May we continue with our Savior.