Vain is the person who counts on the success of his life arising from what other people can give, or by the stuff he can buy or grab (Jeremiah 17:5). Instead of building your life up on these things, be warmed by stooping to serve others even if it makes you appear poor in this world. For whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me, said Jesus (Matthew 25:40).
Do not work every angle to be self-sufficient. But rather place your trust in God (Psalm 31:1). He will raise you up! (Isaiah 40:31) Do what lies in your power and God will ensure your good will is not in vain. Put little trust in your own learning (Jeremiah 9:23) nor in the 'sure-bet' of any scheme you hear, but rather in the grace of God who helps the humble and humbles the proud (1 Peter 5:5).
If you have wealth, do not make it the root of your happiness. As a steward of everything that comes from God, know that your wealth is only a tool to be used for Him. Rely not on powerful friends either, but in God who gives all things and who desires, above all, to give Himself to you.
You may have achieved several degrees or trained to build a body fit for the cover of a fashion magazine. But do not boast of career stature or of physical beauty. These are fragile qualities which are easily taken from you even by a little sickness. Do not take selfish pride in your talent or ability (Exodus 3:11), otherwise you distract others away from the very God who gave you these natural gifts. Do not think yourself any better than any other person no matter their colour, culture, gender, age or status. Such poor judgement is seen by God who has every reason to judge us fairly in all our shortcomings. Surely you realize that God knows everything that is in a person, don't you?
Do not take pride in your good deeds (Job 9:20), for God's tape measure is different from ours. The God who can separate seas, make the sun stand still, or raise His son from the dead, is a better judge of the goodness of an action than we are.
There is good in you, so look also for good in others, so that you may remain humble. It does no harm to esteem yourself less than anyone else. By getting lower, you only help others to see you eye to eye. On the contrary, it is very harmful to think of yourself as better than others. You only end up looking past them.
The humble live in continuous peace, while the hearts of the proud are frequently filled with envy and resentment.
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Illustrative story: from C.S Lewis about those entering into Narnia (a metaphor for God’s Kingdom):
“Sire,” said Tirian, when he had greeted Peter, Edmund and Lucy, “if I have read the chronicles aright, there should be another. Has not your Majesty two sisters? Where is Queen Susan?”
“My sister Susan,” answered Peter shortly and gravely, “is no longer a friend of Narnia.”
“Yes,” said Eustace, “and whenever you’ve tried to get her to come and talk about Narnia, she says ‘What wonderful memories you have! Fancy your still thinking about all those funny games we used to play when we were children.’
“Oh, Susan!” said Jill. “She’s interested in nothing nowadays except nylons and lipstick and invitations. She always was a jolly sight too keen on being grown-up.”
“Grown-up indeed,” said the Lady Polly. “I wish she would grow up. She wasted all her school time wanting to be the age she is now, and she’ll waste all the rest of her life trying to stay that age. Her whole idea is to race on to the silliest time of one’s life as quick as she can and then stop there for as long as she can.”
(C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia: Last Battle).
Lead well! Lead with service.
Rev Dr Darren Roorda
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TEXTS:
Jeremiah 17:5 “Cursed is the strong one who depends on mere humans. Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets God aside as dead weight.
Psalm 31:1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. (NIV)
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint
Jeremiah 9:23 God’s Message: “Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches.
1 Peter 5:5 When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. (The Message)
Exodus 3:11 Moses answered God, “But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
Job 9:20 Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty. (NIV)
