“Thinking to be…”

In a world where all things are owned under entitlement, it may seem odd to talk about humbleness. For some perhaps, whereas for others it might seem to be the appropriate thing to do. Or, for another group of people the desired thing too as it will benefit many.

However, this is what challenges me to the extent of writing about this topic. Inspired by the need for the gathering of brothers and sisters, saved in Jesus Christ’s blood, we ought to have a humble attitude. Not because it is required and a must or a tick box to fill. That would not be humbleness, I am afraid. But the necessity comes out of what Christ did for us on the cross, being buried and rising from the dead.

I must say, with complete honesty and repenting at the same time, I often forget about this virtue. Being humble!

I believe that the general view about humbleness is mostly confusing many Christians and, therefore, rarely able to identify them as followers of Christ. Not because they do what Jesus compelled his followers to do, but because they do not live as He did. I am not a fan of quoting the Bible in my writings, simply because I would rather leave an open door for the reader to be challenged to go and discuss his thoughts directly with God and then search the Scriptures. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, finding himself, after that, closer and gaining more by doing so. However, it is rather necessary to use verses from the Bible, at least from time to time. So, for today I would like to bring to your attention chapter 2 of the letter to Philippians. There we can find the definition of humbleness. But the encouragement Paul gave them has stricken me and challenged me more. Think of Christ and how we knit the fellowship in our entourage and the congregation of the saints.

“A united front!”

I would characterize today’s society as being rather very confused. But so, it seems when people talk, they believe their ideas are what by default all the others think. That is why it is such a confused and hopeless society. Not in the UK only, but around the world. You might be intrigued now to find the cause and embark on an adventure of searching where the problem is. However, I would suggest opening the Bible to Genesis 1 verse 1, “In the beginning GOD….” This is where the problem lies. God is missing. He is not first nor the last even. He is completely missing. But I wonder now if in God’s church, amid fellowship this confusion is starting to sprout. I hope not! At least not generally, however, there might be people not yet conformed to God’s word. In reality, not many of us are fully conformed, but I think there are some more connected than others. And since we all make our day-to-day living in today’s society, should not be a surprise if there are slightly confused people in the church. The cause is the same.

You see, Paul’s encouragement and desire for the Philippians was for all to have one mind. (Phil. 2:5) And not just a united front, but the mindset of Jesus Christ. Humbleness. Jesus thought it was not robbery when He descended on Earth to be equal with God. Jesus did not cancel His Godliness but humbled Himself to be equal to men. To be born, live, and suffer all the sufferings of humans. Hunger, thirst, cold and heat. Crying and laughing. And ultimately to suffer with and for the man. What a great God we have! Did not keep Himself afar from pain but became one as the man and suffered his sufferings.

Do we then, have projected ourselves to be humble enough in understanding that my pain is not greater than my brother’s or my sister’s? Have you at least considered rejoicing with those who smile? Am I truly glad and happy about what others are happy about? Am I sad and pierced in the heart when others cry and tears plough their cheeks? I think we got the meaning of Romans 12:15 wrong. Not surprised though, as we tend to do so. However, I am inclined to think that what this verse says is to look at the rejoicing and the weeping and then to who is rejoicing and weeping. To be truly connected to their experience. Our eyes and minds are blinded when we first look at the person. They might not be perfect or liked by us. But when Jesus descended from heaven to earth, none of us were. We were all dead in trespasses and sins and lusts and hating God. Yet, He saw the darkness we were all living in and came down on earth to bring life and hope. (John 1:4-5)

“Walking on my own.”

Probably by now, I hope that something has been stormed up inside you, to bring you closer to the realization that I need to sort out my problems and not someone else. A humble fellowship is given and then received. This can happen when we are constantly connected with Jesus in our walk. He will make us to be in His likeness, but we have to understand and accept we must let go of our ego. There is no gain in holding back. Every one of us has a level of maturity in our lives. And are at one certain level in their walk with God. The Bible approaches this subject as well. The mature ones lift those who are not there yet. This is humbleness! Recognizing you have the maturity because of God to lift others who need it. God does not grow us for ourselves only. We are partners with God in his redemption and sanctification work.

“In unity with God!”

God the Son, Jesus incarnate, did not keep himself far away from God the Father while walking the dusty plain of Galilee and Samaria and Judaea. He always pointed to God the Father. Though in Philippians 2:5 we read that Jesus thought it not to be robbery to be equal to God the Father, this has not broken the relationship between Him and the Father. The only time when that happened was on the cross. When Jesus shouted, with a crying voice “My God, my God, why hast though forsaken me?” (Mat. 27:46; Mk. 15:34). Pretty clear why, the Triune God was broken, because sin sat upon Jesus and was paid by his blood. My sin was on His shoulders, yet today because of that I am dressed in Jesus’ righteousness. This is not to be taken lightly. Being humble is not a tick box, nor a request. It is, should be, a humble response to the paid price on the cross. And of course, the beneficiaries are my brothers and sisters in Christ for whom the same price, as for me, was paid.

Being humble is more than what we think at times. Giving someone your umbrella, does not mean oh, you will have to sit in the rain. Giving someone your umbrella means you will sit in the rain.