Neither Degraded Nor Inflated!

The Hebrew writer urged. . .
"REMEMBER YOUR LEADERS, those who spoke to you the word of God. CONSIDER THE OUTCOME OF THEIR WAY OF LIFE, AND IMITATE THEIR FAITH." ( Hebrews 13:7 ESV)

Paul was a conscientious, diligent, and steadfast servant of God. He most definitely demonstrated a life of faith worth noting and imitating. Nevertheless, though we may marvel at his great faith and the work he was able to accomplish during his ministry, he was still able to maintain a proper perspective with regard to his own life.

In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul wrote. . .
"(9) For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." ( 1 Corinthians 15:9 ESV)

For Paul to have stopped there, one might think he had a self-esteem problem. Was he completely down on himself? Though Paul referred to himself as "the least of the apostles" and not even being worthy of being "called an apostle", most would consider him to have been a great servant of God; one who carried out his apostleship in powerful ways. His life of faith is truly an example worth noting and following.

Paul went on to state. . .
"(10) But BY THE GRACE OF GOD I AM WHAT I AM, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I WORKED HARDER THAN ANY OF THEM, though it was NOT I, BUT THE GRACE OF GOD THAT IS WITH ME." ( 1 Corinthians 15:10 ESV)

Paul acknowledged his hard work. He did not have an inferiority complex. (note also 2 Corinthians 11:5 & 12:11) He was willing to "spend and be spent" for the souls of others. ( 2 Corinthians 12:15) Paul humbly recognized what he did not deserve, but with a focus on the GRACE OF GOD he was encouraged by what God had made of his life! Clearly understanding he deserved nothing from God because of his former manner of living (as a persecutor of the church) he still acknowledged his significant role in spreading the Gospel of Jesus and the salvation found in Him. This significance was also noted in his letter to the church at Philippi. ( Philippians 1:24-26) It was Paul's focus on the GRACE OF GOD that help provide him with neither a degraded nor inflated view of himself. Instead, with a life humbly surrendered to the Will of God, he was powerfully motivated to serve. His life of service to the glory of God was in essence a sign of His genuine appreciation for GOD'S GRACE!

Someone has said, "The doctrine of grace humbles man without degrading him and exalts him without inflating him." [source: sentence sermons] In recognizing we are what we are by the GRACE OF GOD, we should maintain a sense of humility. Nevertheless, because of the GOD'S GRACE we should also be encouraged by our significance to God and His desire to use us in significant ways for furthering His Will here on earth.

Have a great day HUMBLY SURRENDERING TO WHAT GOD EXALTS US TO BE!
Carl

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