Humility??? How???
Yes, God still requires you to be humble, and no, you can't hide it.
Becoming Like a Child
I think it's a misconception for many of us - that in order to be authentically humble we must position ourselves not to be seen
or heard
or felt
or respected
or appreciated
when in fact, it is through our humility that God reveals the hierarchy of Heaven.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child and set him before them, and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 18:1-4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Amplified Bible defines humble in this text as one who "turns his back on self-righteous pride and adopts a realistic self-view".
We are
heard,
felt,
respected,
appreciated by Christ himself above all others when we stay humble.
So amidst all the world's hype, how can we possibly stay humble??
#1
Go after what is lost.
“Look at it this way. If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders off, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine and go after the one? And if he finds it, doesn’t he make far more over it than over the ninety-nine who stay put? Your Father in heaven feels the same way. He doesn’t want to lose even one of these simple believers. ~ Matthew 18:12-14 The Message Translation (MSG)
Everyone one of us has encountered someone in the past two-plus years that is feeling lost (denied, abandoned, alone) and has made the choice to live different because of it. Some have backslid into bad behavior or even chosen to live a more "spiritual" life than a holy one. God did not call us to judge. He positioned us to pursue. If you can think of one person who fits this category, I encourage you to pick up the phone and let them know they are still loved by God, and by you
Go after what is lost. You don't need a crowd. The Father sees.
#2
Pursue reconciliation.
“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. ~Matthew 18:15 MSG
It is biblical to address those who have hurt you, but only with the objective of reconciliation. The Bible even goes to explain how to respectfully incorporate others in the faith into your efforts. But know that even if they refuse to reconcile, you still have a responsibility to love them - just from a distance. Heaven is not asking you to be a doormat.
#3
Forgive, then let it go.
Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven. ~Matthew 18:21-22 (AMP)
Forgiveness. Letting go. It one of the hardest things we are called to do, and yet Jesus won't let us off the hook. Why? Because forgiveness is the essence of our salvation. It's how we have access to the Father and all his glory. WE ARE FORGIVEN, SO WHO WE ARE NOT TO FORGIVE??
I know. It's hard. Letting go means we no longer control the circumstances surrounding our pain. Better to have some control than none at all, right? No. Jesus is asking us to release unto him the circumstances AND the pain.
“So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets. ~Matthew 7:12 (AMP)
True humility is not hype. It's hope. It's healing. It's Christ as the head of our lives.
It's a child-like peace knowing the Prince of Peace has got your back.
It's the gift of mercy in a merciless world.
So... go. Reconcile. Forgive. Try. All that matters is that Heaven sees you trying. Humble yourself, child of God, so you can reap the reward of a Father who loves you forever.
Lord,
be merciful unto us as you have called us to be merciful unto others. Give us a clean slate and a new humility. Position us and strengthen us to do what seems hard but with is only a lite affliction. In Jesus' name, we believe all things are possible. Amen.
Thanks for hangin' with me!
Next week, we continue our journey through the Gospels in the book of Mark! Join me as we seek to expose Heaven! In the meantime, we will see you Sunday @ 6pm on YouTube for God for Grown-Ups!
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