The Radiance of Humility - Part 1
It’s the best of times. It’s the worst of times.
While 2020 has been, undeniably, challenging for most of us, don’t miss the powerful invitation to display God’s glory in this hour. And be careful how you define, in your heart, the way in which we’re called to do so.
Do you want to shine in dark times like these? If so, many of us need to take a different approach than what we’re currently trying. With palpable tension in the air and unquestionably high stakes for our nation, we all have strong feelings about the way we think things should go governmentally. That is great. Be bold. Have a backbone, and take a stand for what’s right.
However, in the name of boldness, believers on both sides of the aisle have not only become more political but have also slipped into a political spirit—one that’s combative and unreasonable, flaunts victories and bemoans losses. That, my friends, is not the way we are called to walk. It is the way of the world, and it is pride. We can be 100 percent right and yet so wrong. Let the world label its arrogance as merely “being opinionated,” but if you claim to follow Christ, don’t deny where you’ve gone astray in this area.
The Lord wants to do some amazing things in this hour, regardless of what man is in office. That’s not by any means to say that it doesn’t matter; it just means we need a genuine revival of true Christianity no matter what. In fact, the darkest times are our greatest opportunity to display His light.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Lift up your eyes all around, and see;
they all gather together, they come to you;
Isa. 60:2-4
So, in the midst of political and racial wars, heated arguments about government regulations, and a global pandemic (I think that qualifies as darkness covering the earth), we’re meant to shine—not by being disengaged from societal conflicts, but by having a completely different spirit than most of those engaged—one of deep humility—an attitude that’s willing to lay down its life, even for its enemies (Matt. 5:44; Rom. 5:8). That is intense love!
Philippians 2 gives one of the most beautiful descriptions of the sinless Son of God’s profound humility:
“Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!”
Though Jesus had every right to show how correct He was in every situation, He didn’t. He was God in the flesh, and yet, even in the midst of severe mistreatment and ridicule, and even while being murdered for no good reason, He lived in a way that displayed the nature of His Father—perfectly selflessness. Ridiculous love. He only had in mind what was for the good of all—even those who nailed Him to the cross! That’s humility. He didn’t grumble or complain against His opponents, even on the Calvary road.
Philippians 2 goes on to say that this is how we are meant to shine. “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life…” (verses 15-16). It’s humility that makes the Church stand out in times like this. It’s humility that brings us into a place of trust and authority where we can bring real and lasting change in the hearts of those we may currently disagree with.
If you’ve struggled with living this out, don’t beat yourself up. Turn from your sin and receive the grace of the cross. Run to the only One who has ever walked this out perfectly. In fact, let that be your next act of humility—run to Him today: the One with open and nail-scarred arms for you—and you will be reminded, or perhaps discover for the first time, that it’s in the low place where the living waters of life can freely flow the best. You will find inexpressible joy, and you will radiate God’s glory and nature in these times!
STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 OF “THE RADIANCE OF HUMILITY” WHERE WE’LL SEE HOW JESUS DISCUSSED THESE TOPICS IN THE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED, THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT.
