Philippians 2:9
“For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name.”
There is the path to greatness. It’s quite opposite of the world’s way. It says to seize opportunities, look out for number one and so on. God’s path to greatness is to abandon all plans for it and seek to bless others. That’s too much for them. They could never abandon that dream.
Satan was led to damnation due to his quest for greatness. His “I will’s” cemented it. God’s focus is others and lifting them.
It’s quite cleansing to get one’s mind off one’s self. Self focus often leads to depression. One would never accept that getting one’s mind off self improves self.
This is one of God’s mysteries. In time we learn to trust Him and obedience comes more easily. Another mystery that helps is similar, that is the blessing of humility.
‘Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me”‘ (Luke 9:23). There’s Jesus’ formula. I’ve come to love it. Forty years of following Christ and I just recently got the blessing of humility. It’s one of God’s greats.
Humility is another one the world misses. They put their best foot forward, drive the best cars, have the best of… Not God. I Kings 19:12 says, “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” God was in the whisper. He doesn’t want or need drama. He walks softly.
It’s been wonderful to be freed from the desire for greatness. It enslaves. To think the path to fulfillment is through self promotion is a lie. The devil bought it and still promotes it. Our fallen nature is susceptible to it.
When we are born again and immersed in His Word we understand His ways. We still need His Spirit to open our eyes. I Corinthians 2:16b says, “But we have the mind of Christ.” What a blessing and a privilege.
It’s an honor to go God’s way; the way of humility. It’s a pathway the world doesn’t see. It’s almost comical to watch the world’s self congratulatory celebrations. They completely miss humility. But You’ve shared it with babes.
Thank You, Lord. You have blessed us so. Thank You for letting us see the truth about self indulgence and humility.