Monday, November 24, 2014

On Humility

You are a treasure to the Lord. But do not mistake His love for you as evidence of your superiority.  

False humility is a type of pride. You have developed the habit of groveling because you have become used to the assumption that others may feel jealous or inferior, but this actually communicates  “I know I’m superior to you and I’m trying to put you at your ease.”   

Do not attempt to change your personality, which is a unique and multifaceted jewel, created by God.  You are indeed precious in His sight.  But please do be willing to release your persona, which is something very different.  Your personality is who you were created to be, while your persona is who you want other human beings to think you are. 

Consider an exchange of your persona for that of Christ Jesus. In His human form, Christ was inoffensive (until He stood up to preach) because of His humility. Be inoffensive in your humility. Defer to the desires of others, and let others take the lead.  

When combined with a desire to prove yourself superior, fear of rejection makes you a danger to those you ought to be shepherding with Christ's love.  Let interactions with your fellow human beings be governed by Christ's love and humility.  

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ....
--Romans 13:14

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 
--1 Corinthians 1:27-29

But this beautiful treasure is contained in us—cracked pots made of earth and clay—so that the transcendent character of this power will be clearly seen as coming from God and not from us.
--2 Corinthians 4:7 The Voice Translation

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Before You Were Born, He Knew You

You are moving forward. You cannot examine yourself as you are in the process of change and renewal, but God sees your heart. He knows you and is with you. Trust Him when He says you are on right on His schedule, the one He planned especially for you long before you were born. Do not be afraid.

 …he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
--Philippians 1:6