Bowed heads and bent knees

One would think that the mysteries of faith, that pondering the awesomeness of the works and wisdom of God, would produce a great sense of humility in those who are deeply devoted to things spiritual. It surely did that for Isaiah who, when he had a vision of the Almighty, cried out, "Woe to me... I am ruined!" My observation is that among Christians just the opposite is often true! Those who claim a close relationship with God are frequently possessed of a "I am right and you are wrong" spirit. Positions of 'ministry' become, for some, little personal kingdoms. Many among us who claim to know the One who called Himself, "The Way," seem to think that the majesty of His Truth gives us a right to be disrespectful of those with whose convictions we differ.

Even within the Christian church, among various groups holding differing doctrinal views there is a great capacity for arrogance.

Some who believe that God sovereignly orders all things openly doubt that those who believe in free will are even Christian!

Some who believe that Christ's sacrifice is within the reach of all who would choose to receive His grace by faith, are quick to deride those who believe that Jesus' saving grace is available only to the Elect.

Pentecostals proudly declare they are followers of the way of the "Full Gospel" seeming unaware that if their motto is true that means non-Pentecostals have a partial Gospel. Is there such a thing?

Others don't blink an eye as they declare that the King James Version of the Scripture is the only real Bible! What incredible arrogance for people who are speaking of eternal mysteries of which even the most erudite have only the most elementary grasp!

This past Sunday, Evangelical Christianity was treated to an egregious display of Christian religious hubris. It was called "Justice Sunday." (see http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=LH05D02) Church leaders joined forces with the Republican party to attempt to rally Christians to apply pressure to United States Senators in support for President Bush's nominees for the Federal bench. I agree that the President has a constitutional right to nominate whomever he pleases and that the Senate has the right to vote on those nominees in their role of 'advise and consent.' I also agree that some very qualified candidates for the Federal bench are being denied their vote by Senators who are intent on keeping abortion legal and furthering an agenda of homosexual rights. However, using high-blown rhetoric to inflame people, in God's name, to promote a political party's program, is nothing short of an exercise of power that is rooted in pride! I believe that exercises such as "Justice Sunday" give Jesus a bad name, and I think that the spirit of this kind of 'might makes right' event breaks His heart.

I wonder what long term results might have happened if instead of holding loud rallies designed around speeches to attract national media attention, our Christian leaders had called us to a day of fasting and to gather in our churches to sit in silent prayer? Might God have listened to our hearts and seen our tears and saved our children from this land's growing debauchery? Do you think Jesus' words when He said-- “And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace." (Matthew 6:5-6, The Message)-- apply here?

Friend, are you humble?
The Word calls on us to humble ourselves before the Lord!

Here's a passage for your contemplation today. Read it with a bowed head and a bent knee, an attitude of surrender to Him. It has something to say to each of us - as citizens, as parents, as Christians, as friends, as individuals:

• "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;" (Philippians 2:5-12, NKJV)

________________________

Father, what wondrous things You have done for us,
giving us grace and love while we were undeserving.
In our time, Lord, we are rich and our wealth has made us proud.
Forgive us who bear Your Name before the the world for
adopting the practices of power, pride so common among the 'self-sufficient.'
Teach us to seek You, to trust You,
to serve You - humbly and consistently;
alike in times of exaltation and times of deep need.

Give us the mind of Jesus Christ by the inner work of the Spirit
and make us forgetful of ourselves,
content to be no more and no less than You call us to be;
willing to bear whatever burden You lay on us with patience.
Jesus Christ, be glorified in us today
as we practice humility that allows Your Light to shine through us
uneclipsed by our pride.
Amen.