Wednesday // 14th August 2024
Start Humble and End Humble
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.
Philippians 2:3
Pride goes before a fall and it is this self- destructive button that becomes prominent in the lives of many leaders.
Jesus began and ended His ministry in humility: – Jesus Christ started His ministry in a manger (Luke 2:7). Jesus Christ ended His ministry on a cross (Luke 23:46). Paul went through four stages of progressive humility: He declared that he was not behind any of the apostles (2 Corinthians 12:11). As he progressed, he felt that he was the least of the apostles. (1 Corinthians 15:9) After some more time, Paul thought that he was the least of all saints.(Ephesians 3:8)
As you can see, Paul’s estimation of himself kept diminishing as he became more experienced in ministry. The higher you go in the Lord, then more you realize how dispensable you are. You discover that it is God’s grace that is at work and not your own efforts. At the end of his ministry, Paul decided he was the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15)
This was not because Paul had committed some grievous sin. With maturity came the consciousness of his sinful nature. Don’t Let Your Achievements Make You Proud.Do not let your achievements change your opinion of yourself. Nebuchadnezzar made an awful mistake when he walked on the rooftop of his castle. He thought that he had achieved great things by his own strength. (Daniel 4:29-31) When Nebuchadnezzar developed an elevated opinion of himself, God punished him. If you are serving God, do not make foolish statements about your achievements.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin