Post by Zac Loh on Jul 1, 2006 13:35:23 GMT -5
and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. (Colossians 3:10-14; underline mine)
Seven is the number of complete perfection. God took six days to complete His creation. It was perfect, and He rested on the seventh day to enjoy His creation. It was a perfect, complete week.
Tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance-and-forgiveness are six characteristics.
One more characteristic which makes them into a complete, and perfect, set - is the most important characteristic of all, love.
“You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece. And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side. (Exodus 25:31-32)
Just like the main stem of the lampstand that binds all the six branches together, love is the bond of perfection.
So, `The Apparel Of Our Relationship With Others’ tells us how to relate to people in the characteristics which is in accordance to the light i.e. to put on the character of Christ Who is The Light.
Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:8-11)
How would Christ relate with others?
Quotations of Matthew Henry
“The best evidence of our having the truth is our walking in the truth.”
“The Scriptures were written, not to make us astronomers, but to make us saints.”
Many years ago, Matthew Henry, was once robbed of his wallet. Knowing that it was his duty to give thanks in everything, he meditated on this incident and recorded in his diary the following: “Let me be thankful, first, because he never robbed me before; second, because although he took my purse, he did not take my life; third, because although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”
About The Author
Matthew Henry, 1662 - 1714, was a Welsh-born, English nonconformist minister and Bible commentator. He is remembered for his practical and devotional multi-volume Exposition of the Old and New Testaments which is still published.
TENDER MERCIES
The original biblical Greek for `tender mercies’, translated directly, means `bowels of mercies’ or `bowels of compassion’.
It is actually made-up of two words: `bowels’ and `mercies/compassion’.
`Bowels’ literally means `an intestine/spleen’. It was figuratively used for `pity or sympathy, inward affection, tender mercy.’
`Mercies/compassion’ means `pity, mercy’; implying `to exercise pity, have compassion on’.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:3-8; underline mine)
In the original Greek text of the above scripture, the word `affection’ underlined, is actually `bowels’.
Many of God’s servants today are too busy advancing their own ministry to care about their fellow ministers. They hardly have time. We have become too independent of each other.
Worse still, I know of two high profile pastors of mega churches who squabbled in public - using their pulpits to rundown each other’s message. Oh, what small vision they had!
Together, they were holding congregations numbering tens of thousands. But what is this number compared to their own city of a few million people? What would the unbelievers think? They have millions to reach, yet they became a hindrance to the gospel.
Instead of running each other down, we should pray for one another. We should help each other, and get involved in each other’s ministry. We are to fellowship in the gospel, and become partners of the gospel. We are to be partakers together of grace.
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3:17; underline mine)
In the original Greek text of the above scripture, the word `heart’ underlined, is actually `bowels’.
Many years back, I was a regular attendee of a church, of which, the senior pastor was an anointed prophet. At a certain period of time, I was jobless. One Friday night, immediately after service, the junior pastor gave me an envelope. He said that he was asked to do it.
I opened the envelope. It had many different denominations of notes, plus a few coins. From the mix of it, I knew it was the congregation’s offering collected for that night. Obviously, the junior pastor was taking an instruction from the prophet.
The Holy Spirit’s bowels of compassion in us will be translated into a course of action. If we feel for a person, who is in need, we have to act. That person doesn’t need our words of sympathy alone. He needs our act of sympathy. He needs our help. Mere talk is of no use. An act speaks a thousand words. An act makes many words unnecessary. If there is no action, then our mercy and compassion are superficial. We are being scratched at the surface, there is no depth. ‘Bowels’ means we are impacted at the depths of our being. We are spiritually gravitated to act.
The act of giving the offering of that Friday night touched me. Of course, the money was handy!
The Pharisees taught and expected an offering. Jesus taught and fed the people. He wept publicly because of His friend Lazarus, and raised him from the dead.
Paul could have taken from the people whom he had ministered the Gospel. But he felt for the people because they were poor. He didn’t want to burden them. So, he did tent-making to support himself while ministering to them, and he continued ministering to them.
Quotations of C. H. Spurgeon
“Feel for others - in your pocket.”
“Sympathy is especially a Christian duty.”
“I do not know how else we could care for some poor creatures, if it were not that Jesus teaches us to despise none and despair of none.”
“The thought that we may ourselves be one day under the window should make us careful when we are throwing out dirty water. With what measure we mete it shall be measured to us again, and therefore let us look well to our dealings with the unfortunate. Nothing makes me more sick of human nature than to see the way in which men treat others when they fall down the ladder of fortune.”
”An escape from suffering would be an escape from the power to sympathise, and that were to be deprecated beyond all things.”
“There are none so tender as those who have been skinned themselves.”
About The Author
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834 – 1892, was a British Baptist who remains highly influential, even among other denominations, and is known as the “Prince of Preachers’. He had preached almost 3,600 sermons; and published 49 volumes of commentaries, sayings, anecdotes, illustrations and devotions.
He was pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle (some say it was the first modern `megachurch’). He promoted The Pastor’s College because he wanted to help other preachers. Also, he promoted The Stockwell Orphanage, and visited the children often.
KINDNESS
I was in a confused state. My mother was talking non-stop about chronic issues and paranoia tales which were not related to the task-at-hand – while I was in the midst of fixing the fluorescent light. I had a hard time concentrating. I tried to get my mother to tell me what she really wanted done. The light was hanging up there, without a ladder anywhere that I can use.
As my mother continued her incessant talking, I had to stand on a flimsy stool which was placed on top of a mini coffee table. Even with my wife steadying the stool, slipping-off the edge of the coffee table was a not-to-be-ignored possibility. I could hardly reach the fluorescent light. My arms were aching. In the midst of all these, my mobile phone rang. A brother in Christ needed directions because he wanted to see me.
When he arrived, I was already sitting-down, exasperated. Nevertheless, together, we were slowly getting the light done. Gradually, the situation became clear in my mind. I was helped by the fact that this brother-in-Christ became my mother’s focal point. Not only was he handy; he was a kind and helpful man. One the day which was a potential disaster, the Savior sent this brother to save me from my predicament.
So, the day ended well, by the grace of God. Since the years that I have known this brother in Christ, he was exemplary for being kind, calm – happy helping people all around.
The Bible Greek for `kindness’ denotes `usefulness, moral excellence.’ It basic root meaning has the meaning of `furnish what is needed’ and `to act towards one in a given manner.’
It is not about somebody who helps, but then, with much fuss and complaining. It is not about somebody who does it grudgingly. It is about somebody who does it voluntarily: a kind word or a kind deed.
This brother in Christ saved me from my trouble. Anyway, he needed my help to conduct the Holy Communion for the Sunday Service. He had a problem presenting the Holy Communion message. And I had been helping him every time he leads the Holy Communion. I was doing it behind the scene. I did it so that he could be effective for God. Kindness is when we help someone, graciously, without expecting anything in return.
But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (Matthew 6:3)
There shouldn’t be any I-scratch-your-back-and-you-scratch-my-back kind of thing practiced, especially not in the church. We do not seek to be recognized for what we do. We do it for others. As long as others are helped, that’s enough for us.
Would you pray for somebody even if that person will never know? Would you give even if nobody will ever be informed of the giving? There are those who like to talk about their own good deeds. But let us be kind, knowing that our heavenly Father will reward us in due time.
Quotations of Mother Teresa
“You are a drop in the ocean. But without this drop, the ocean will not be complete.”
“Thoughtfulness is the beginning of great sanctity. If you learn this art of being thoughtful, you will become more and more Christ-like, for His heart was meek and always thought of others.”
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”
About The Author
Mother Teresa, 1910 -1997, was an Albanian missionary working among the poorest of the poor in the slums of India.
HUMILITY
Humility is an attitude of the heart and mind.
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5; underline mine)
On the negative side of the freedom of speech rights, is disrespect. One can observe how some Americans belittle and ridicule their own President. Freedom of speech, quite frequently, evolved into a character of being opinionated out-of-haughtiness.
Back to the same brother in Christ, who helped me fix the fluorescent light: he was (and still is) the church deacon. I was an ordinary church attendee (I stepped down from the cell group leadership). This brother came to me for help; he was very opened about his inability to speak well. This is the kind of humility I am talking about.
Is there a connection between Moses’ inability to speak well and the fact that Moses was very humble (Numbers 12:3)?
The apostle Paul said:
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
Let’s look at our Lord Jesus:
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)
Except for humility, we will not serve the purpose of God. Without true humility, we will serve primarily our own purpose, even using the Christian context.
but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. (2 Peter 2:16)
Donkeys are looked upon as low class animals in some parts of the world. They are plain and unfanciful. But they are good servants to us. They do their job without vanity and ego. We should aspire to be like them in serving God.
Now, let’s consider the donkey riders. There are two significant donkey riders in the Bible, namely Balaam and Jesus. The first donkey was a disobedient donkey in a good way, and the second donkey was an obedient donkey in a good way. The first rider was a disobedient prophet caught by earthly gains whereas the second rider was an obedient prophet unto death for the purpose of heavenly gains.
In the set of donkey-and-rider, Balaam is a picture of a leader disobeying the purpose of God in the course of his ministry. The donkey is the picture of a follower who was in submission to the leader who is riding it. The leader steered the donkey. Balaam’s donkey refused to obey its master. This donkey had revelation. This donkey could speak. And this donkey saved its master’s life!
There was a season of my life when I became a member of a highly respected pastor’s local church. This leader had many pastors serving under his umbrella. He wrote many books. He founded a Bible College. One morning, just before entering into the church building, God gave me a prophetic word for this pastor. He wasn’t there. But his wife and assistant pastor were there, greeting people outside. I was convicted to pass the message. But because it was a `correction’ word, I withheld myself; I could not bring myself to do it because I was a tiny guy and this man was an institution. It was tough. I made a mistake. It takes lots of courage. I am still not sure if I can do it, if such thing happens again.
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. (1 Corinthians 4:15-16)
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
The believers at Corinth had the teachings of Christ. But they needed to see them lived-out in real life. Paul put it, that they should imitate him, even as he was imitating Christ.
But then again, they had the word of God as a mirror. Paul had to reflect that. Otherwise, they did not have to follow Paul. It was as simple as that.
One of our followers could save us. One of our followers could be anointed by God to speak to us in revelation, and help save our ministry. I once heard a profound statement made by `Mr. Pentecost’ David DuPleissis in a cassette tape. He said that, if God cannot use a new Christian to correct us, then we are not godly.’ It took me a long time to understand this. Now, I appreciate it.
I think of Peter and see what a wonderful leader he was. Paul, when he was still a young upstart, publicly withstood this established leader in the face. Paul chided and corrected Peter in public (Galatians 2:11-16).
Some leaders today would have secretly killed Paul’s ministry in retaliation. Yet, Peter went into record openly defending Paul’s ministry (2 Peter 3:15-16).
The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” (John 12:12-15)
I heard a teacher of the Word joked that even if he was a dumb donkey, being ridden by Jesus; he wouldn’t be dumb enough to think that the Hosanna! praise was for him. As servants of God, we must not be dumb enough thinking that the admiration is for us. We should know that all glory goes to the One who anointed us. It is not us. But the One riding on us.
Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, (Colossians 2:18; underline mine)
These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. (Colossians 2:23; underline mine)
Humility has its irony. The moment we feel that we have it, pride exhibits itself.
What is true humility?
We can humble ourselves in the flesh. But it is not the humility that God is looking for. The purpose of humility is not so that others can admire our humility. The purpose for humility is so that God is glorified.
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:9-10)
God gives grace to the humble. Not only that God gives grace to us when we humble ourselves; we also need His grace to be humble.
We need His grace to serve. Paul identified himself as the least, not worthy to be called an apostle. Paul worked much because the grace of God was working much with Him.
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, (Galatians 1:15-16)
Paul was called through the grace of God. He served by the grace of God. The grace of God positions us so that we can be anointed by the Holy Spirit to serve.
We are collectively a special assortment of His manifold grace. Ministry grace differs with each person. We are not standard products from the factory assembly line. We bear a unique handiwork of our Master, who is the potter, as we are His clay. He breaks us and forms us again and again, until we become the shape and design He wants. Paul experienced a chronic and painful trial. He asked to be delivered from it. Jesus answered and said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
Jesus instructed His disciples to loose the donkey and bring it to Him, and saying, “The Lord has need of them.” (Matthew 21:1-3)
God has a ministry plan and purpose for each one of us. It is greater than any vocation, career or business. I pray that you will be loosed to be a humble donkey because the Lord has need of you.
Quotations of Augustine of Hippo
“This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.”
“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”
“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”
“Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.”
“First of the Christian graces – humility. Second of the Christian graces – humility. Third of the Christian graces - humility.”
About The Author
Augustine of Hippo’s real name was Aurelius Augustinus, 354 – 430. Born in Roman north Africa, he is considered as one of the theological fountainheads of Reformation teaching on salvation and grace.
Seven is the number of complete perfection. God took six days to complete His creation. It was perfect, and He rested on the seventh day to enjoy His creation. It was a perfect, complete week.
Tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance-and-forgiveness are six characteristics.
One more characteristic which makes them into a complete, and perfect, set - is the most important characteristic of all, love.
“You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece. And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side. (Exodus 25:31-32)
Just like the main stem of the lampstand that binds all the six branches together, love is the bond of perfection.
So, `The Apparel Of Our Relationship With Others’ tells us how to relate to people in the characteristics which is in accordance to the light i.e. to put on the character of Christ Who is The Light.
Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:8-11)
How would Christ relate with others?
Quotations of Matthew Henry
“The best evidence of our having the truth is our walking in the truth.”
“The Scriptures were written, not to make us astronomers, but to make us saints.”
Many years ago, Matthew Henry, was once robbed of his wallet. Knowing that it was his duty to give thanks in everything, he meditated on this incident and recorded in his diary the following: “Let me be thankful, first, because he never robbed me before; second, because although he took my purse, he did not take my life; third, because although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”
About The Author
Matthew Henry, 1662 - 1714, was a Welsh-born, English nonconformist minister and Bible commentator. He is remembered for his practical and devotional multi-volume Exposition of the Old and New Testaments which is still published.
TENDER MERCIES
The original biblical Greek for `tender mercies’, translated directly, means `bowels of mercies’ or `bowels of compassion’.
It is actually made-up of two words: `bowels’ and `mercies/compassion’.
`Bowels’ literally means `an intestine/spleen’. It was figuratively used for `pity or sympathy, inward affection, tender mercy.’
`Mercies/compassion’ means `pity, mercy’; implying `to exercise pity, have compassion on’.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:3-8; underline mine)
In the original Greek text of the above scripture, the word `affection’ underlined, is actually `bowels’.
Many of God’s servants today are too busy advancing their own ministry to care about their fellow ministers. They hardly have time. We have become too independent of each other.
Worse still, I know of two high profile pastors of mega churches who squabbled in public - using their pulpits to rundown each other’s message. Oh, what small vision they had!
Together, they were holding congregations numbering tens of thousands. But what is this number compared to their own city of a few million people? What would the unbelievers think? They have millions to reach, yet they became a hindrance to the gospel.
Instead of running each other down, we should pray for one another. We should help each other, and get involved in each other’s ministry. We are to fellowship in the gospel, and become partners of the gospel. We are to be partakers together of grace.
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3:17; underline mine)
In the original Greek text of the above scripture, the word `heart’ underlined, is actually `bowels’.
Many years back, I was a regular attendee of a church, of which, the senior pastor was an anointed prophet. At a certain period of time, I was jobless. One Friday night, immediately after service, the junior pastor gave me an envelope. He said that he was asked to do it.
I opened the envelope. It had many different denominations of notes, plus a few coins. From the mix of it, I knew it was the congregation’s offering collected for that night. Obviously, the junior pastor was taking an instruction from the prophet.
The Holy Spirit’s bowels of compassion in us will be translated into a course of action. If we feel for a person, who is in need, we have to act. That person doesn’t need our words of sympathy alone. He needs our act of sympathy. He needs our help. Mere talk is of no use. An act speaks a thousand words. An act makes many words unnecessary. If there is no action, then our mercy and compassion are superficial. We are being scratched at the surface, there is no depth. ‘Bowels’ means we are impacted at the depths of our being. We are spiritually gravitated to act.
The act of giving the offering of that Friday night touched me. Of course, the money was handy!
The Pharisees taught and expected an offering. Jesus taught and fed the people. He wept publicly because of His friend Lazarus, and raised him from the dead.
Paul could have taken from the people whom he had ministered the Gospel. But he felt for the people because they were poor. He didn’t want to burden them. So, he did tent-making to support himself while ministering to them, and he continued ministering to them.
Quotations of C. H. Spurgeon
“Feel for others - in your pocket.”
“Sympathy is especially a Christian duty.”
“I do not know how else we could care for some poor creatures, if it were not that Jesus teaches us to despise none and despair of none.”
“The thought that we may ourselves be one day under the window should make us careful when we are throwing out dirty water. With what measure we mete it shall be measured to us again, and therefore let us look well to our dealings with the unfortunate. Nothing makes me more sick of human nature than to see the way in which men treat others when they fall down the ladder of fortune.”
”An escape from suffering would be an escape from the power to sympathise, and that were to be deprecated beyond all things.”
“There are none so tender as those who have been skinned themselves.”
About The Author
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834 – 1892, was a British Baptist who remains highly influential, even among other denominations, and is known as the “Prince of Preachers’. He had preached almost 3,600 sermons; and published 49 volumes of commentaries, sayings, anecdotes, illustrations and devotions.
He was pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle (some say it was the first modern `megachurch’). He promoted The Pastor’s College because he wanted to help other preachers. Also, he promoted The Stockwell Orphanage, and visited the children often.
KINDNESS
I was in a confused state. My mother was talking non-stop about chronic issues and paranoia tales which were not related to the task-at-hand – while I was in the midst of fixing the fluorescent light. I had a hard time concentrating. I tried to get my mother to tell me what she really wanted done. The light was hanging up there, without a ladder anywhere that I can use.
As my mother continued her incessant talking, I had to stand on a flimsy stool which was placed on top of a mini coffee table. Even with my wife steadying the stool, slipping-off the edge of the coffee table was a not-to-be-ignored possibility. I could hardly reach the fluorescent light. My arms were aching. In the midst of all these, my mobile phone rang. A brother in Christ needed directions because he wanted to see me.
When he arrived, I was already sitting-down, exasperated. Nevertheless, together, we were slowly getting the light done. Gradually, the situation became clear in my mind. I was helped by the fact that this brother-in-Christ became my mother’s focal point. Not only was he handy; he was a kind and helpful man. One the day which was a potential disaster, the Savior sent this brother to save me from my predicament.
So, the day ended well, by the grace of God. Since the years that I have known this brother in Christ, he was exemplary for being kind, calm – happy helping people all around.
The Bible Greek for `kindness’ denotes `usefulness, moral excellence.’ It basic root meaning has the meaning of `furnish what is needed’ and `to act towards one in a given manner.’
It is not about somebody who helps, but then, with much fuss and complaining. It is not about somebody who does it grudgingly. It is about somebody who does it voluntarily: a kind word or a kind deed.
This brother in Christ saved me from my trouble. Anyway, he needed my help to conduct the Holy Communion for the Sunday Service. He had a problem presenting the Holy Communion message. And I had been helping him every time he leads the Holy Communion. I was doing it behind the scene. I did it so that he could be effective for God. Kindness is when we help someone, graciously, without expecting anything in return.
But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (Matthew 6:3)
There shouldn’t be any I-scratch-your-back-and-you-scratch-my-back kind of thing practiced, especially not in the church. We do not seek to be recognized for what we do. We do it for others. As long as others are helped, that’s enough for us.
Would you pray for somebody even if that person will never know? Would you give even if nobody will ever be informed of the giving? There are those who like to talk about their own good deeds. But let us be kind, knowing that our heavenly Father will reward us in due time.
Quotations of Mother Teresa
“You are a drop in the ocean. But without this drop, the ocean will not be complete.”
“Thoughtfulness is the beginning of great sanctity. If you learn this art of being thoughtful, you will become more and more Christ-like, for His heart was meek and always thought of others.”
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”
About The Author
Mother Teresa, 1910 -1997, was an Albanian missionary working among the poorest of the poor in the slums of India.
HUMILITY
Humility is an attitude of the heart and mind.
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5; underline mine)
On the negative side of the freedom of speech rights, is disrespect. One can observe how some Americans belittle and ridicule their own President. Freedom of speech, quite frequently, evolved into a character of being opinionated out-of-haughtiness.
Back to the same brother in Christ, who helped me fix the fluorescent light: he was (and still is) the church deacon. I was an ordinary church attendee (I stepped down from the cell group leadership). This brother came to me for help; he was very opened about his inability to speak well. This is the kind of humility I am talking about.
Is there a connection between Moses’ inability to speak well and the fact that Moses was very humble (Numbers 12:3)?
The apostle Paul said:
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
Let’s look at our Lord Jesus:
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)
Except for humility, we will not serve the purpose of God. Without true humility, we will serve primarily our own purpose, even using the Christian context.
but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. (2 Peter 2:16)
Donkeys are looked upon as low class animals in some parts of the world. They are plain and unfanciful. But they are good servants to us. They do their job without vanity and ego. We should aspire to be like them in serving God.
Now, let’s consider the donkey riders. There are two significant donkey riders in the Bible, namely Balaam and Jesus. The first donkey was a disobedient donkey in a good way, and the second donkey was an obedient donkey in a good way. The first rider was a disobedient prophet caught by earthly gains whereas the second rider was an obedient prophet unto death for the purpose of heavenly gains.
In the set of donkey-and-rider, Balaam is a picture of a leader disobeying the purpose of God in the course of his ministry. The donkey is the picture of a follower who was in submission to the leader who is riding it. The leader steered the donkey. Balaam’s donkey refused to obey its master. This donkey had revelation. This donkey could speak. And this donkey saved its master’s life!
There was a season of my life when I became a member of a highly respected pastor’s local church. This leader had many pastors serving under his umbrella. He wrote many books. He founded a Bible College. One morning, just before entering into the church building, God gave me a prophetic word for this pastor. He wasn’t there. But his wife and assistant pastor were there, greeting people outside. I was convicted to pass the message. But because it was a `correction’ word, I withheld myself; I could not bring myself to do it because I was a tiny guy and this man was an institution. It was tough. I made a mistake. It takes lots of courage. I am still not sure if I can do it, if such thing happens again.
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. (1 Corinthians 4:15-16)
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
The believers at Corinth had the teachings of Christ. But they needed to see them lived-out in real life. Paul put it, that they should imitate him, even as he was imitating Christ.
But then again, they had the word of God as a mirror. Paul had to reflect that. Otherwise, they did not have to follow Paul. It was as simple as that.
One of our followers could save us. One of our followers could be anointed by God to speak to us in revelation, and help save our ministry. I once heard a profound statement made by `Mr. Pentecost’ David DuPleissis in a cassette tape. He said that, if God cannot use a new Christian to correct us, then we are not godly.’ It took me a long time to understand this. Now, I appreciate it.
I think of Peter and see what a wonderful leader he was. Paul, when he was still a young upstart, publicly withstood this established leader in the face. Paul chided and corrected Peter in public (Galatians 2:11-16).
Some leaders today would have secretly killed Paul’s ministry in retaliation. Yet, Peter went into record openly defending Paul’s ministry (2 Peter 3:15-16).
The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” (John 12:12-15)
I heard a teacher of the Word joked that even if he was a dumb donkey, being ridden by Jesus; he wouldn’t be dumb enough to think that the Hosanna! praise was for him. As servants of God, we must not be dumb enough thinking that the admiration is for us. We should know that all glory goes to the One who anointed us. It is not us. But the One riding on us.
Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, (Colossians 2:18; underline mine)
These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. (Colossians 2:23; underline mine)
Humility has its irony. The moment we feel that we have it, pride exhibits itself.
What is true humility?
We can humble ourselves in the flesh. But it is not the humility that God is looking for. The purpose of humility is not so that others can admire our humility. The purpose for humility is so that God is glorified.
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:9-10)
God gives grace to the humble. Not only that God gives grace to us when we humble ourselves; we also need His grace to be humble.
We need His grace to serve. Paul identified himself as the least, not worthy to be called an apostle. Paul worked much because the grace of God was working much with Him.
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, (Galatians 1:15-16)
Paul was called through the grace of God. He served by the grace of God. The grace of God positions us so that we can be anointed by the Holy Spirit to serve.
We are collectively a special assortment of His manifold grace. Ministry grace differs with each person. We are not standard products from the factory assembly line. We bear a unique handiwork of our Master, who is the potter, as we are His clay. He breaks us and forms us again and again, until we become the shape and design He wants. Paul experienced a chronic and painful trial. He asked to be delivered from it. Jesus answered and said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
Jesus instructed His disciples to loose the donkey and bring it to Him, and saying, “The Lord has need of them.” (Matthew 21:1-3)
God has a ministry plan and purpose for each one of us. It is greater than any vocation, career or business. I pray that you will be loosed to be a humble donkey because the Lord has need of you.
Quotations of Augustine of Hippo
“This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.”
“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”
“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”
“Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.”
“First of the Christian graces – humility. Second of the Christian graces – humility. Third of the Christian graces - humility.”
About The Author
Augustine of Hippo’s real name was Aurelius Augustinus, 354 – 430. Born in Roman north Africa, he is considered as one of the theological fountainheads of Reformation teaching on salvation and grace.