by Emily Wooten
Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Mark 10:43–45 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
In John 13:13-15, Jesus told his disciples he was their Lord and had shown them a servant’s heart by washing their feet.
Matthew 20:25-27 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
We have learned to know who we are in Christ. In doing that, our confession is one of triumph and victory. If we don’t pay attention, our confidence in God’s ability and willingness to help us can come across as arrogant. Jesus left us the example. He explained in Luke 14 that we should make way for others.
James 2:1-4 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
Revelation 1:6 says Jesus has made us kings and priests.
How do we take our authority as children of the living God and remain humble? The two seem to contradict themselves. That’s where rightly dividing the word of truth comes in.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Jesus was the perfect example of grace, humility, and authority. He spoke the truth in love, acknowledging who he was in the kingdom. He understood that true strength isn’t afraid to show compassion and be selfless enough to reach out to others. Sharing God’s love is the most important thing we will do.