Lowliness NOT loneliness (Part 1) – [Video 6]
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 – The characteristic of lowliness is not often talked about
Human ambition consists of seeking higher positions, greater titles, more money, enhanced power, further control, and ‘bragging rights.’ This is common, understandable, and part of the human inclination. Jesus did the opposite, choosing to descend from the glory and exaltation of Heaven to human birth in an animal stable, living a humble life, walking the land without a place to call His own, washing His disciples’ feet, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and ultimately giving up His life for His enemies – us…
No one in their human survival mind of self-preservation and ambition wants lowliness. It is learned through the Word of God and the Word coming to life in our lives as a necessary and least favourable part of the Christ-like mindset.
Lowliness is a complete faith-based operation. To deny self, put aside self-importance, pass on the glory, and chase down low status is not of human nature.
Denying ‘self’ or dying to ‘self’ opens a new mindset—a new universe of thoughts, intents, desires, ambitions, and emotions. One would be hard-pressed to find those who seek lowliness–lack of self-importance or low status in the eyes of man. However, despite its meaning, ‘lowliness’ possesses a beautiful power within that can only be fathomed when walking the path itself.
Lowliness NOT loneliness was first introduced to me on a personal level when I asked God how to overcome surrounding influences of pride. Ever since, I’ve realised it’s an aspect of Jesus’ character that catalyses the fluid connection between man and Father God, granting a person victory in some of the most oppressive, competitive, and prideful scenarios we will find ourselves experiencing in this fallen, broken, unfair world.
Before this, seeing the word ‘lowliness’ attributed to Jesus was one of those aspects I preferred to ignore. Like the fact that Jesus was a vagabond with no place to call His own in the years of His ministry, I preferred to skim over these elements.
But ‘lowliness’ meaning low status in the eyes of man or lack of self-significance is arguably one of the most important aspects of being a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. It opens us up to God’s power to work through us and for God to receive the glory, sharing His name and love with more people.
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ” Philippians 2:1 – 7
Check in for next month’s e-newsletter and blog post for understanding the purpose, significance, and exaltation from God that comes with Lowliness…
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