Surrender to God

Humble pie, have you ever been treated to a nice healthy slice before? The Lord knows He’s treated me to more than my fair share. I can be so blatantly prideful at times it is really quite sickening. Why it’s a miracle I don’t try to part the Pacific Ocean with my staff more often when standing on the sea shore. In my youth I use to enjoy singing and playing guitar while leading worship at a local church. I strived to praise God in this way and quickly found out what a “pride battleground” the worship arena can be. An arena filled with gladiators competing for their spot up on stage under the lights. Part of our sin nature seems to be that we desire to steal God’s glory every chance we get as we perform in our own power and strength.  

In the book of Numbers chapter 12 we watch as Miriam and Aaron both speak out against their brother Moses and challenge his authority. In verse 2 it says “So they said, ‘Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?’ And the Lord heard it (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)” 

Humility is a great quality to have. I’ve had the opportunity in my life to meet a handful of what the world considers to be famous people. Chuck Norris, Joel Osteen and Fred Benedetti are men who are extremely gifted and at the top of their game. What’s interesting is that they are some of the most humble people I’ve ever met in my life. Chuck Norris, while at a restaurant near a shoot for Walker Texas Ranger was approached by a man who demanded to sit in the booth that Chuck was sitting in. Humbly, Chuck gets up and moves to another booth where the rest of his cast eventually joins him. The man recognizes Chuck and apologizes for his behavior. 

A vast majority of Christians out in the world today act just like the man demanding the booth from Chuck Norris, instead of being servants modeling humility like Jesus Christ, we become too dogmatic about meaningless facts and figures demanding people magically display traits we feel a Christian should personify. However, what we really need to do is humble ourselves and show people they are important to God by loving them just as they are. We need to  rescue  people as they stand in the muck and the mire, throwing them a rope or better yet a life preserver. 

Moses gives us a great example of humility while as God begins to judge Miriam and Aaron he intercedes and cries out to Him to renege on pouring out His wrath on his brother and sister. Acts of random kindness are a great way to show both humility and love for people who don’t yet believe in God. If we take the time and money to help someone or send relief to one in need then we display the love of Christ. It takes practice and we won’t automatically get it right the first time but with a little persistence we will begin to practice humility. 

“Do not be deceived. God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in do season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of God.” Galatians 6:7-10  

God gave the prophets dreams and visions but He spoke to Moses face to face. When God anoints someone for ministry and raises them into a position of authority we need to respect, support and help them in building up the body of Christ. The other side of the coin would be if  a leader is not displaying humility, love and consistently putting others first then  run as fast as you can to another pasture and find another shepherd who is submitting to God! 

Jesus modeled humility for us and it is what we need as we come together united in fellowship with God. Without the love of our Good Shepherd we would all still be out wandering lost in the world’s pastures with no hope of redemption. While on the earth, Jesus humbly walked the Holy Land searching for one little lost lamb He could rescue from the muck and mire that fills the dank pastures of this fallen world.  People, let us love one another!