August 2, 2009
How Low?
We may be amazed at how low some people will go. Underhanded deals. Talking behind other's backs and destroying reputations in an attempt to get ahead themselves. Unconscionable acts against others not caring who gets hurt. Taking advantage of even the most vulnerable among mankind. Paul even referred to some as being "inventors of evil." ( Romans 1:30) You mean there is not enough evil so they have to try to think up some more? Oh the depth's of depravity to which some will stoop.
Is there perhaps a more positive consideration we could have on how low we can go? Consider the greatness of Jesus and how low HE WAS WILLING to go. He descended from His glory in heaven, was born of woman, and walked in the midst of humanity. However, that was not the lowest to which HE WAS WILLING to HUMBLE Himself.
Paul noted. . .
"(6) who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, (7) but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in human form, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF BY BECOMING OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, EVEN DEATH ON A CROSS." ( Philippians 2:6-8 ESV)
Jesus humbled Himself to the point of fulfilling the Father's plan all the way to the point of death. However, that was not just any death. It was an excruciating death; "even death on a cross." That was how low JESUS WAS WILLING to go on our behalf. In obedience to the Father's Will HE WAS WILLING to go all the way!
Prior to Paul describing the humility of Christ, he exhorted those at Philippi to have this mind of Christ among them. ( Philippians 2:5) In other words, we are to share this mindset of Christ. So, how low can we go? How low WILL WE GO? Will we go to whatever extent the Will of God takes us? Will we die to self ( Matthew 16:24; Romans 6:6 & 11; Galatians 2:20) so that we can serve His Divine purposes in this life without our own desires getting in the way? Will we remain faithful to Him even to the point of death to that we will receive the crown of life? ( Revelation 2:10)
JESUS WAS WILLING to go all the way to death in order to bring us life. May we also BE WILLING to go all the way in HUMBLING ourselves before Him, for even to the point of death we have life! ( Matthew 10:39; 16:25) HUMBLED before God we will be exalted by Him!
Have a great day HUMBLED TO LIVE FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE!
Carl
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