When I have ceased to break my wings
Against the faultiness of things,
And learned that compromises wait
Behind each hardly opened gate,
When I can look Life in the eyes,
Grown calm and very coldly wise,
Life will have given me the Truth,
And taken in exchange — my youth.
Sara Teasdale – Author
(The woman above is not the author)
TRANSFER TO HUMILITY
Many had confidence in their natural abilities as youth — who, years later — had found that their abilities is a gift from God (Judges 15:16; 16:25-30). Over the years, God makes them aware that He uses their gifts to His purpose and glory. God hones our skills. He teaches us how to transfer self-confidence in our innate abilities to a humble trust in Him.
EXAMPLES OF HUMILITY
Peter was a boisterous complicated leader of men, but God changed this author’s leadership style to one that resembled Christ’s (I Peter 2:21-23). According to tradition, Peter would display great humility toward the end of his life (John 21:18-19).
Moses was a young eloquent and confident individual (Acts 7:22), but when he became old he was the meekest man who claimed to have speech problems. God used him mightily in that state!
David was a great warrior who overthrew other nations, and yet he humbly confessed his need for God by looking to the hills (Ps. 121:1-2).
Christ was born in humble surroundings and in a little obscure town. He thought it not robbery to be equal with God, yet He humbled himself even to the cruel death on a cross (Phil. 2:7-9)!
John the Baptist was a bold, yet righteous man who never took honor for himself, but always sincerely pointed others to Christ (John 3:30).
The apostle Paul, with all his knowledge of the law and powerful intellectual abilities, went from a persecutor of Christians to a slave for God. He stated his ability to humble himself and trust in the strength of Christ (Phil. 4:5, 12-13).
TIME AND HUMILITY
It’s a fact that time should teach us humility! It’s unfortunate that so many don’t learn the lesson that both God and time continually present to us.
The whole concept of humility is easy for followers of Christ to understand, but can be hard to put into practice: “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt. 23:12 – Berean Study Bible). What a great promise for those who go through the time-tested gateway of humility!
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on thee,
because he trusteth in thee.
(Is. 26:3)
Ever heard of ‘mind games’? It is a treacherous game where the victims struggle and strategize to become the winner. When confronted…the players of the game battle for supreme dominance over their opponents. The object of the game is to stay on top. In desperation, each player struggles to “stay afloat”…similar to someone being rescued who can’t swim. They would push down and attempt to drown their rescuers to save their own lives. Just like a drowning swimmer…people who play mind games are really not in control (II Tim. 3:13)!
Mind games can be one of the longest games ever played. There are no rules or boundaries! Sometimes the players are subtle and at other times mind games can be fierce and highly competitive. The games are cruel and really, in the end, nobody wins!
According to the Bible, Christians are to stay far from playing mind games (Gal. 5:15). If you choose to play you can easily become a pawn to the master strategist himself! It’s really his game — his turf. He plays it so well and would teach anyone who’s interested how to play to their own detriment! Don’t play mind games!
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix
your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and
pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that
are excellent and worthy of praise.
(Philippians 4:8 NLT)
(And the King shall answer and say unto them,
Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have
done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren ye have done it unto me.)
– Matthew 25:40 –
There are deep longings and unanswered questions that settle in the hearts of masses of people. They look for ways out and would confide in anyone who is trustworthy and able to help them. In countless ways — ministers run to their rescue — they are in place and the world has been touched by these servants of God! The Lord has fashioned some ministers to help reach into the very core of hurting, yet seeking-people (Prov. 20:5; I Cor. 14:24-25). They have gone through experiences that qualify them to be used by God to minister on great levels, as well (II Timothy 2:20-21). Ministers minister in every way imaginable to lonely and despondent people. They are doing a great work for Christ by their shear masses. All across the globe, ministers for Christ have been strategically placed in areas of spiritual leadership, and yet, they have servant hearts (Matt. 25:34-40). Even with all the ministry that takes place, everywhere people are still waiting for these true representatives of Christ to come forth. In comparison, the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Thousands are ready for spiritual awakening and ministers will lead that cause…for, how shall they hear without a preacher? People must be led into a loving relationship with Christ! Are you that minister? If so…God has given you the power to make a difference and change lives!
Let’s be about our Father’s business!
(And Jesus said unto him, No man, having
put his hand to the plough, and looking
back, is fit for the kingdom of God.)
Luke 9:62
Many who read this article have experienced God in very real and life-changing ways. We look back on salvation and recall the powers of darkness at work to divert our attention from the glorious message of the gospel! They tried to blind our minds from the deliverance we were being introduced to in Jesus Christ! As we heard the gospel and believed on Him, chains began to break. We were no longer held captive by the dark prince of the power of the air! We now have freedom and experience a newness of life. God truly is our personal Savior! Many of us sense His abiding presence. He has made Himself known to us time and time again. We have experienced the power of God on many levels over the years. God is with us!
Give Up on God? What Will You Do?
As we walk with God, we sense an ever hostile world. Our nation is in unrest. War and violence has increased. Many have no love for God or anyone who represents Him. False Christians and their foundations are beginning to crumble. These are also proving grounds for those who belong to Christ. Times like these have surfaced before across the lines of history. But, we now find ourselves in perilous times like those in the past! The old quote from Thomas Paine states: “these are times which try men’s souls.” Souls are being tried in the household of faith. How about you? What will you and your house do? Serve the Lord? Remember…you have tasted and seen that He is good! You have put your hand on the plough. There should be no turning back. If you turn back what are you going back to? Whatever it is…the one who turns back is not fit for the kingdom of God! Are you lonely? Have fellowship with God. Are you perplexed? Wait on God and give Him the glory. Are you fearful? Trust God and don’t turn back!
(Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also
go away? Then Simon Peter answered him,
Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast
the words of eternal life.”)
St. John 6:68
PCAFI Christian Ed. Aux. (ICEA) Articles 