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Craving to be More Humble

One of the greatest ambitions which evidences itself in the non-crucified life is the pursuit of vainglory--the recognition of men, needing men's approval and acceptance. We say we don't, but what is it that we really seek? Why are we doing what we're doing? Who are we seeking to glorify? Is our life a life that's been set apart for the glory of God? Are we truly living, going to work, and being about our daily activities for the glory of God as a means of propagating the gospel and sharing the good things of God? The whole duty of man is not obtaining a better life, but to love God and keep His commandments, to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God.

As we're living and being seduced in this crazy world, the question we have to ask is, "Am I being drawn toward vainglory?" Vainglory is about the praises of men, but it's also one other thing. Vainglory is the misperception of self- worth, the false image of who we are. Let me say it another way: thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. The crucified life is a life of humility. How has your appetite, your craving, been to become more humble, to become less in your own eyes and in the eyes of the world, that you might become more in the kingdom of God? What are we living?

Following the fruit of the spirit, Paul says, "If you want to know whether the fruit is prominent in your life or not, let us not be desirous of vainglory" (Gal. 5:26). It's that motivation, that pride, that association with the spirit of the world that creates many admirable things in churches. We make the industrious guy a deacon and then spend all of our time badmouthing the lazy bum. In the sight of God they're both an abomination if that guy's industriousness is for self and by self. The one is acceptable to us; the other is not. Who are you? Are you "flying below the radar" because your flesh is acceptable? The unacceptable are very obvious to all of us. "That guy is a bum. He's always late. He's always using everybody. He's a loudmouth, always vaunting himself." We're all aware of the unacceptable. Have you found yourself yet? You can't crucify yourself until you find out who it is. In these lists of Galatians and Colossians, you should be evident.

There is no greater humbling process than self-crucifixion--the choice to die, the choice to become less in your own eyes. "My doctrine said that there's no good thing in me, but I really didn't believe that. My doctrine said without Jesus I could do nothing, but I really didn't believe that. My doctrine said the greatest among us was the servant of all, but I really didn't practice that. My doctrine said it's more blessed to give than to receive, but I haven't quite got that one down yet. My doctrine said if I would humble myself then in due time God would exalt me, but you know, as usual God was late so I had to do something about it." We wouldn't say that; we just live it. It's not our doctrine; it's our lifestyle. Are you through lying to yourself? Are you tired of living this lie? Do you really want to imbibe and embrace the power of God, a resurrected life and a walk in the spirit to where you are absolutely invincible? Nobody can hurt you because you're already dead. If that sounds scary, then you're still alive. You can't do it by yourself. It's all made available to you by making a choice. The choice is yours; the power, the enabling, is God's.

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