Clothed in Humility & Radiant for His Glory

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Ephesians 4:2

What do you think when you see this sign?

I'm willing to tell you what I thought as soon as I saw it in a restaurant hallway. I thought, "Hah! Whoa! Ouch, Lord. You are speaking to me and reminding me to "humble myself." I had to nervously laugh because the sign was in my face, and so was God, graciously warning me.

He was warning me to "take every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5) before my thoughts took a rabbit trail into the dark pit of full-blown pride. He deeply loves me -- as He loves all His children -- and He knew exactly what I needed to protect me from stumbling. See, He knew what I was thinking. (I don't want to freak you out, but He knows what everybody is thinking, all the time!) I don't remember exactly what self-centered thoughts I was allowing to swim in my mind; but God knew and He got my attention. Self-centered anything becomes toxic quickly. Yikes.

So of course, since my Father was speaking and I was listening, I had to take a picture of this bold warning sign. (Sorry not sorry for the pun.) To be humble is a safety zone for our hearts, minds and souls. It's being like Jesus. He was never self-centered, never prideful, only full of lovingkindness, patience, love, gentleness, wisdom, faithfully showing His followers how to live supernaturally on this earth for the Father's glory alone! (Read Philippians 2:1-11).

Look, Jesus, the King of Glory, was humbly consumed with loving, obeying, and giving God glory in everything He did! "I have not spoken on my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know this command leads me to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say" (John 12:49-50). 

Is this us, too? Are we humble and only do and say what the Father tells us through the Scriptures? 

Jesus humbled Himself to become a man, walked dusty trails to teach life-giving truth to multitudes, and horrifically suffered and died on the cross; all to be "the light of the world" in order to point people to the Father. Yes, He humbled Himself and then was exalted to become the Living Savior of the World!

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'" (John 8:12).

He called all of His people to carry on His work of being the light of the world. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

That's exactly what we are commanded to do as followers of Christ. Jesus never promoted himself. He humbled Himself and with a deep, passionate love for His Father, Jesus relentlessly was promoting and shining the light of His Father's love.

When we become followers of Christ,  immediately we're filled with His all-powerful Holy Spirit and the ability to promote His Father and make His Name known! That's it. 

He's so thrilled for us to be His children and "longs to be gracious to us; He rises to show us compassion" (Isaiah 30:18).  As we're privileged to represent Him here on earth He encourages us to "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold onto the word of life..." (Philippians 2:14-16).

When we're truly "clothed in humility toward one another" (1 Peter 5:5), out of love for the Father, we'll become radiant and free to live, love, laugh, and shine more than we ever have before. It will be because His glory will be our passion.

Polly 💖

Matthew 5:16