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Humility is strength under control




West

West

“They that know God will be humble. They that know themselves cannot be proud.” — John Flavel

There is not any place in scripture where we are taught to follow man. We are instructed to submit ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake as long as those ordinances do not run contrary to God’s holy word.

Somewhere throughout the years in our westernized interpretation of the Bible we’ve become little doormats afraid to unashamedly speak our hearts. We condemn ourselves for being individuals and exercising our right to free and independent thinking. We have taken the verse concerning turning the other cheek to a whole new level and have become scared little sheep instead of brave bold lions.

If Martin Luther were as timid as today’s Christians, the Reformation would have come through another. Being humble is one thing, but being spineless is another.

All through Christian history the changes that have occurred were brought about by men who were willing to stake their lives on their God-given convictions. If we will dare transform our world, it will not be because we embraced a fake humility. It will be because we possessed true humility coupled with courage in our all powerful God.

The Apostle Paul was more courageous than any other yet he deemed himself as “less than the least of all saints.” Do we think the disciples were not humble? They were lowly in spirit yet known as men who turned the world upside down.

True humility doesn’t sit in a corner and boast of how humble it is. True humility is having the audacity to agree with God’s word in the face of opposition. True humility isn’t clothed in Western garb bragging about its ability to follow the masses over the edge of the cliff. True humility is loyal to its cause even if that cause seems offensive to others.

In matters of non-essentials, turn the other cheek; let others be right. But in matters of the essential elements of the Christian faith, be as unbending as necessary.

If we are to win others to Christ, we must present the truth to them, not the wishy-washy brand of Americanized Christianity that knows no judgment and preaches no Hell.

Recently, I read a passage of scripture concerning the armor of God. When reading about having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, I understood those shoes are not just any old shoes. Paul was referring to shoes that had nails driven though the soles to give men firm footing in battle. Soldiers need to have the ability to stand on the most dangerous terrains without falling.

These are the days to be firm-footed. After we have done all to stand, we must continue to stand confident in the scriptures and in the faith that guides us. Go to Christ and learn true humility.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Jesus (Matthew 11:29-30)

Sue West is available to speak at churches and home Bible Study groups. Contact her at preacher_west@yahoo.com.sg

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