Pride isn’t just
for kings and queens. It is a test for every Christian. Henri Nouwen, in his
book In the Name of Jesus, reminds
us that we are tempted by pride that dresses up in disguise. We are desire to be relevant, accepted and
understood by our world. We are drawn by the temptation to be powerful,
to control our situations. We are tested
by the temptation to be spectacular. These subtle forms of pride are so woven into
our cultural values we don’t even view them as leading us to sin. Even
Christians admire those who are praised for their relevance, followed because
they are powerful, and lifted up in their attractiveness.
Paul tells us that
we are to seek the same attitude as Jesus in His humanity. Did He come to this
Earth to accept a place of admiration
and power? No, He "made himself
nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human
likeness." (Philippians 2:7, NIV) A pointed question comes to mind. Am I
content to serve or will I become a servant? What’s the difference? Many choose to serve, here and there, as they
like but they hang onto control. They
choose who they will serve, where they will serve, the limits of their
service. A servant is without rights,
doing what another wishes.
We are to be
servants of God and man, like Jesus! Ah, that kind of serving runs headlong into
pride that insists “But, I must protect myself, my rights, my life,” doesn’t
it? Our model is Jesus. He gave Himself
away completely to the will of God. This kind of selflessness is rooted in a
faith in God’s ability to control and direct all parts of our lives. In Daniel 4, the proud king we met a moment
ago, was reminded three times that "the
Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he
wishes.” (Daniel 4:32, NIV) Is your
life shaped by faith in the rule of God?
I confess that
there are many times when it is hard for me to see that He is in charge. When
sufferings overtakes His children, it tests my faith. When cruel despots inflict
suffering on nations, my trust in His control of history is stretched. But, the baseline truth that allows us to
give ourselves away, to become servants in the model of Jesus, is the assurance
that God is in charge and is bringing
about His purposes. The defeat of
pride is not accomplished by beating ourselves down or trying to convince
ourselves that we are worthless. Our
Father in Heaven has no interest in making us like an abused dog with a broken spirit. True
humility is born out of the deep conviction that we are of ultimate worth to
Him, that He loves us completely, and that He will – in His time and in His
way - usher us into the reward that is
prepared for all those who serve God and man without reservation.
Nebuchadnezzar
experienced that restoration when he came to see the folly of trying to care
for himself. “At the end of the seven
years, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked to heaven. I was given my mind back and I
blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever: “His
sovereign rule lasts and lasts, his kingdom never declines and falls. Life on
this earth doesn’t add up to much, but God’s heavenly army keeps everything
going. No one can interrupt his work, no one can call his rule into question.
" (Daniel 4:34-35, The Message) "And
that’s why I’m singing—I, Nebuchadnezzar—singing and praising the King of
Heaven: “Everything he does is right, and he does it the right way. He knows
how to turn a proud person into a humble man or woman.” (Daniel 4:37, The
Message)
Here is the word
from the Word. Though familiar may the Spirit call us to humility, break pride,
and use us as servants.
"Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus
thought of himself."
(Philippians 2:5, The Message) "When
the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a
slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly
humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless,
obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of
death at that—a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and
honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever." (Philippians 2:7-9,
The Message)
"What I’m getting at, friends, is that you
should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. … Be energetic
in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God." (Philippians 2:12, The Message)
_____________
You are God Alone
(worship with the video
at this link- click here)
You are not a god created
By human hands.
You are not a god dependent
On any mortal man.
You are not a god in need of
Anything we can give.
By Your plan
That's just the way it is.
You are God alone from before time began!
You were on Your throne; You are God alone!
And right now, in the good times and bad,
You are on Your throne; You are God alone!
You're unchangeable. You're unshakable.
You're unstoppable; that's what You are.
You're unchangeable. You're unshakable.
You're unstoppable; that's what You are.
You're the only God whose power
None can contend.
You're the only God whose name and
Praise will never end.
You're the only God who's worthy
Of ev'rything we can give.
You are God;
That's just the way it is.
And right now, in the good times and bad,
You are on Your throne, You are God alone!
You Are God Alone (Not A God)
Billy J. Foote |
Cindy Foote
© 2004 Billy Foote
Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI))
Integrity's
Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI))
CCLI License #
810055
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