...with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2
As we continue on our journey of self-examination, let me continue encouraging you to 'Walk Worthy of Your Calling'. How do we do this? We must be deliberate to put away bad attitudes and actions, allowing the Word of God to have its pruning effect in our lives. With that being said, there are some qualities that God will give us in order to this. First of all we need HUMILITY. What is humility - pride's #1 enemy. It comes from the Greek word - tapeinophrosune (root word tapeinos meaning humble). This word means you get down as flat as you possibly can get so nobody can see you at all. To preserve unity, we must first get in the right position. You know like the BIBLE says, not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. I said it before, there is not one of us who does not stand in need of God's grace. For everything that you are excited about that you don't do, let God be your reflection and each and every time you will see that you don't measure up. That is why we need humility. As soon as we start to get too high or begin to think of ourselves as better than someone else - read the Word. It has a way of knocking you right back down, allowing you to see yourself as you truly are...far from perfect but being perfected.
One more thing about humility - when you're humble, you're Christ-sufficient instead of self-efficient. I know the world teaches us that we must be self-sufficient and not depend on any one or anything because people will let you down. Ain't that the truth? So since we know this shouldn't it mean that Christians especially should be more apt to depend on God for everything. If we are depending on God for everything then we won't put some much stake in that job, that house, or that car. Everything we have comes from Him. When you exhibit humility and truly are Christ-sufficient you don't lean on your own understanding, you acknowledge God in everything and allow Him to direct your path. When disagreements occur you ask God to help you to see your fault in the situation instead of just pointing the finger and you even take it one step further by asking God to give you the strength to apologize.
Now along with being in the right position, we also need the right perspective. We have all been faced with times when someone rubs us the wrong way, says something that irritates us - and what is our first response - to lash out at them. But does that reaction promote unity in the body of Christ? Probably not and that is why in addition to humility we need to have gentleness. What is gentleness - in one word meekness. More often than not we look at the world's definition of meekness and equate it with weakness. But I want to give you another definition for meekness - STRENGTH UNDER CONTROL. It's like a wild horse that has been tamed and is now comfortable int he reins of the on who has tamed it. It is that calm spirit you are able to have in the midst of chaos. It keeps you from being anxious. It is the attitude of being broken in our wills, being submissive to whatever God is up to in our lives. It shows when someone is talking about you or hurting you. You don't have to respond in negativity because that inner calmness reminds you that God is in control and that He is going to use all that hurt and pain to continue to conform you into the image of His Son. One who exhibits gentleness controls his/her temper and does not retaliate or seek revenge. There is a true acceptance that the battle is not yours but God's. The secret is that you must KNOW YOUR ENEMY! For we wrestle not against flesh and blood and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God. That is why we must always be suited for battle. How long will be bench warmers in church every Sunday and still not recognize Satan and be able to stand up boldly against him?
The truth of the matter is most of us don't want to change. We are comfortable in who we are and even feel justified in most of our actions. We have surrounded ourselves with our own personal "Amen" corners. You know those people who can't wait to hear the latest gossip and will never challenge us when we are wrong or encourage us to do better. How many of you reading this have a true prayer partner? I thank God for mine. Which leads me to the last quality putting us in the right posture - forbearance in love. This person doesn't have short fuse but is long-tempered. Forbearance literally means - you don't fold. It is the ability to stand up and not let it knock you down not just when you are being provoked but until the whole provocation is over. Forbearance is not a matter of maintaining a facade of courtesy while inwardly seething with resentment but it is a spirit empowered with positive love to those who irritate, disturb, or embarrass you. It's a supernatural response. Now I know you may be thinking how in the world am I supposed to do all this? It's actually quite easy. "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me". (Phil 4:13) "For it is God who worketh in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure". (Phil. 2:13) " For when I am weak, then I am strong". (2 Corinthians 12:10) Stop trying to do it by yourself, you can't. But the God I serve, can help you to do what seems to be impossible. You must first submit to Him. With God 's help you will be able to do it in love. Love is, after all, what knits and cements all of the other qualities together.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Humbly I bow before You today exposed in need of a makeover. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Forgive me for behaving like less than your child, ungrateful for the overwhelming overflow of your grace and new mercies every morning. The bottom line is that I want to do better. Search me and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any hurtful way within me and lead me along the path everlasting. Help me to be a steward of the Word and to seek Your face for guidance and wisdom. I am thanking You in advance for answering this prayer. Lord I submit to You. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.
Life Application:
1. In what relationships can I exhibit more humility? More gentleness? More forbearance in love?
2. What relationships have I damaged by not showing these qualities? Ask God for forgiveness and strength to mend those relationships.
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