From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:16-17 (NIV)
No man is weaker than a proud man. From where is he deriving his power? From within? From mere flesh? Recall the tower of Babel – man has always wanted to be like God. This enticed our original parents to sin and it continues to entice us as well. We want to be master’s of our own ships, rulers of our own little worlds. Large and in charge, prideful and arrogant, we do not want to be told what to do – even if it is for our very best. Remember the Prophet Elisha’s words to the poor widow. He told her to bring many (not a few) empty jars and God would fill them with oil. The more jars she brought the more the oil kept flowing. Liken that to the Holy Spirit indwelling within us. When we are so full with ourselves we crowd out His power and influence in our lives – leaving us more like us than Jesus. Ouch. Scripture tells us in 1 John 2:6 (NIV): “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” We are to remain in Him and He in us if we desire to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance,” as the Baptist warned the Pharisees to do (and us as well!).
There is definitely a reason we are told in all four Gospels to deny self. It is never a pretty picture when we forgo this command. Instead of being controlled by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, we can become quickly filled with anger, rage, malice slander and filthy language on our lips. Not to mention pride, idolatry, selfish ambitions and vain conceits and on and on. Not a pretty picture to say the least. We are to learn from the Master and seek to walk as He walked through His power and for His glory and our good. Indeed, God desires for each of us to walk as Jesus walked. Nothing is so beautifully winsome than to see someone walking as Jesus did Who was selfless and gentle and lowly in heart. “Come to me” says He. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” and you will find rest for your souls as well as perfect peace. There is fullness in Him as well as a steadfastness in spirit. Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:22-23 (NIV): “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” It is He Who fills us and satisfies us with very good things. Everything else is merely a paste gem compared to the Diamond.
What no eye has seen nor ear has heard nor mind has conceived awaits for what God has prepared for those who love Him. Will we be cast down by the fleeting here and now when we have this future inexpressible pleasure for all eternity reserved for every believer in sweet Jesus?
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. ** Jude 1:20-23 (NIV**)