I was listening to an interview between two leaders; one incoming, the other outgoing.
The new leader discussed how during college he processed the world intellectually, The leader admitted his preoccupation with self, how great he could be, seeking knowledge in an effort to raise one's self, build credentials for a resume that would lead to a successful future. These statements describe the primary focus of our world. Me. For me. About me. To me.
The new leader continued his story describing a certain professor who presented a group of questions for his consideration:
"Where do you go to church?" Taken aback by the question, he answered, "I don't go to church."
"Are you an atheist?" "No, no..."
"Do you believe in God?" "Yes."
"What do you believe about Him?" "Well...God is God."
"Is He all powerful?" "Yes."
"Is He is all good?" "Yes."
"Did He create the world?" "Yes, Yes, of course."
"You seem like a smart guy, but...you just said that you believe there is a God who is all powerful, is all good, who created the world and your place in it, but you can't find one hour to to a church to worship Him each week?"
OUCH! Truth with strong accountability. Merriam-Webster's definition of humility is the freedom from pride or arrogance. This honest discussion was a turning point in this man's life. Because the student respected the teacher, he was able to humbly evaluate his current beliefs and made a change. Now the student is a teacher boldly leading others to seek a deeper personal relationship with Melek ha Olam, King of the Universe. Praise and glory to HaShem!
So Moses and Aaron came in to Pharaoh and said to him, "Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Exodus 10:3 NKJV
It is easy to get caught up in our daily lives, checking boxes, completing tasks, following the flow of the world on paths for success, making great names for ourselves, seeking the promotion, praise and to be envied by others. Surely that is what God wants for us also, our happiness and success? Doesn't the gospel say that people who are prosperous demonstrate God's blessing upon their lives? Job's friends saw his suffering and chastised him for sinning and bringing condemnation upon himself, since it must have been Job's sin that caused the destruction and pain. Is that truth? Absolutely not!
God rebuked the arrogance of Job's friends and redeemed Job for his repentance and humility (Job 42).
Week 4 in our Circle 2 Plus Family's weekly prayer and Scripture meditation focused on humility with our verse from Romans:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:1-3 NKJV
In the same way, I beseech you, my friends, to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God the Father (1 Peter 5:6), who loves you so completely that He refuses to allow you to make yourself the object of your own affections. Seek Him First! (Deuteronomy 4:29) Follow the path, no matter how treacherous, risky or uncomfortable it may seem. Sometimes live is a difficult, a rocky, uphill climb, but if we strive to walk in humble service (Deuteronomy 10:12) to the Creator of the World we will be blessed with a view on the other side of this life that will be more than we could ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Humility is not respected in this world, but it is greatly treasured in heaven (Matthew 6:20). The God we serve is worthy (Psalm 145:3) of our praise.
Adonai, thank You for Your lovingkindness that is always faithful and generous. You will not withhold anything that is good for those who walk according to Your will (Psalm 84:11). Thank You for the good and the not-so-good that You allow in my life as You shape me to reflect the attributes of my Savior, Yeshua ha Messiach. Guide me through the Rauch ha Kadesh, Holy Spirit, as I humbly submit to You for the glory of Your name, HaShem. Amen