Dear Friends:
(If it is welcome and a blessing, send it on to others,Lee)
Humility.
I think of the Christian comedian's line. "They took away my award for humility...because I wore it.
So frequently in Christianity we hear humility (as well as pride, usually those stronghold areas) described as an onion, because just when you think you saw the last of it go on the last piece of skin...it turns brown again and we have to deal with it. (Has the the though ever occured to any of the onion word picture purveyors that maybe the resulting tears are part of the analogy?) Humility is a not high on the pole in churches today. It means loss of pride. Now why am I speaking of it? Trust me, this is an area I am seeking, not having arrived, so it doesn't flow from all ability. Yet the Lord has touched my heart to encourage in the fruits of the Spirit, if for no other reason than to let others know they exist. I recognize fruits come from growth, not being an instant thing (usually). No fruit of the Spirit indicates no tree of living ability.
The number one area I see being threatened by humility is pride. God even says that He will come against the pride of the church.
We have so much knowledge, so much available, that I have noticed a few things. There are groups who seek the next book, the next meeting, the next speaker. This group wanders about on "pilgrimages". And I have no problem with that if your life is grounded in the Word of God. But what did the first church do without these things? I would be lost without e-mail and yet I do not see the miracles or salvations of the first church in the abundance they did as a result of it.
And there seems to be a pride that comes in with discussing the speakers, the books, the tapes, etc. Humility is described as not haughty or proud, not arrogant or assertive, and submissive. I am not there. And I know few who are, though more who are moving in that direction. There is a reason that this is a fruit. And I believe one of the reasons is to draw people unto the Lord. Perhaps the biggest reason. Have we thought of that. If we have all the fruits of the Spirit, we will most certainly be doing well and yet I think it will be noticed by many and an attraction to the unbeliever.
I am not sure if one can be encouraged to be humble, but more to look at, examining one's life, seeing the potholes (hey, this is Vermont!) in the road and looking at the repair work needed, so that we may be more humble. Check out your relationships. Those with spouses look at the humility factor in your marriage. If we look at our closest relationships, we will probably have a clear picture of the level of our humility.
God bless you as you submit to Him, all those areas that have needed work. The Lord is perfecting each and everyone of us.
Selah.
Shalom.
We pray for you, each and every day. If this is an encouragement to you. Please tell us, and please email it to someone else. If you have a prayer request, please mail it to us. We want to stand with you, battling spiritual wickedness, seeing people made free. We want to serve our brother and sister.
In the Service of Christ for His Glory,
Lee Johndrow
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Thank you,
Lee & Tina Johndrow
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