So many times in our human nature we look to find meaning and recognition in many things we do. Whether consciously or subconsciously it is something we all do. For who doesn't like just a little bit of recognition? Don 't you desire a promotion on the job or a raise in pay for what it is you do? Many times our quest for recognition produces an air of pride and arrogance in ones self based on their own estimation of themselves.
Now I realize by this point your thinking to yourself, well this devotional/blog post isn't for me but I would challenge you to read on!
So many Christians are missing the most fundamental aspect of their life in order to be Christ Like. We should strive and look everyday in how we can imitate Christ. The aspect so many are missing is an attitude of Humility. Yes Humility is an ATTITUDE.
Growing up I would hear my parents say "You've got an attitude Problem and I will fix it if you don't!"
Many of us have been there (LOL). I always had an attitude1 Whens the last time someone said you have a good attitude problem? How is your attitude?
Your attitude is the gauge by which the world measures what Christ is doing in you. They can't see the interior so they judge what they see on the exterior and rightly so. If all they see is a bad attitude then what does that say? So how should our attitude be and what should it say about God in our lives? Philippians the 2nd Chapter says this:
Phil 2:5-11
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
NIV
So yes I added some emphasis on one word did you happen to see it? Jesus had an attitude and it was one of Humility. Yes Jesus had a real big attitude! A big attitude of HUMILITY! Humble is the way!
This scripture speaks of how Jesus saw himself and how he considered himself lower than all those around him. Yes I could go into a very profound explanation of how he left all his majesty and abandoned his deity for you and I and I could potentially write page after age of how this mighty, unfathomable, all powerful, all knowing, omnipresent, omnipotent and wonderful God lowered himself beneath even you and I but I rather just sum it all up in a few words like this:
Think of Everyone as better than yourself and that's Christlike. Humility doesn't mean a lack of self esteem or confidence but rather it screams the opposite! your to be so sure and positive about who you are in Christ that NOTHING anyone says can affect you and so you think of yourself as less than them and never elevate yourself in your own eyes.
If you elevate yourself than what is left for God to do? Leave the elevating to God. Jesus was exalted and lifted up because he HUMBLED himself. Don't seek recognition or let pride and arrogance into your heart but rather let God speak for you when others speak against you and let God fight for you! No one is a better strategist than God and he can do things you could never do so let him defend you.
You want to be lifted up? Do what the apostle declares in this next scripture:
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
AMP
Man I love this scripture. Its a recipe for success and elevation! whats the recipe? HUMILITY! Humble yourself under God so he can lift you up.
Wait let me get this right...I get UNDER God so he can ELEVATE me? You mean I get up by going down? That's AWESOME!
God desires to get you into higher places but not on your time. The scripture above says in DUE time. When it's DUE! Not when YOUR ready but when GOD says your ready!
So how do you start being humble? here's what I am doing...I'm being grateful. I show myself how much God is doing for me and BAM I feel so indebted to God that I can't be arrogant if I wanted to. I thanked him for everything all the way from my toothbrush to my wife and suddenly this shrinking feeling came over me and I felt so small in comparison to this mighty God and I realized my gratitude showed me I was nothing without God and so who was I to look down on anyone from the murderer to the pedophile and from the lawyer to the drug addicts I realized I am not above any of them and with that knowledge I realized Humility was finding a home in my heart.
Being humble is rewarding and builds confidence and authority in your spirit. It leads to being Christlike and helps you in your everyday Christian life. Isn't that what we need? Strength to make it through everyday?
So until the next time, BE HUMBLE, BE GRATEFUL and you will BE CHRISTLIKE! Elevation from others is useless when God desires to lift you higher than any man ever could!
Be Blessed,
Pastor Luis
Awesome.
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