Mom asked me to fill in for her on the blog tonight, because she’s busy editing her next book; a book of prayers. I hope you can get something out of it.
God bless, Nelson
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So, I’ve been reading this book called, Humility, (Andrew Murray) and a pretty good suggestion is offered as to the meaning of something I’ve wondered for quite a while. There is the verse that says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 – NRSV) I think when teaching others, we tell them this is in the same vein as the one where Jesus says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…” (Luke 16:10)
Taught to a child or a young adult, we use this as a lesson about telling the truth and stewardship. Take care of the little money you have and you’ll get more. You’ll show God you can be trusted with more. Along the same lines, we could think that humbling ourselves means God will exalt us. But what do “much” and “exalt” really mean? In human terms, they mean money and power. But, as offered in the book, Murray says that being exalted before God means,
“The highest glory of the creature is in being only a vessel, to receive and enjoy and show forth the glory of God.”
It’s my belief that God knows we are, by nature, selfish and do things mostly to minimize pain and maximize pleasure. Even offering a kind gesture gives us a good feeling and therein lies some of the payoff. But as we continue down the road to REAL humility, the “more” and the “exalt” are less about me and more about God and others. But do I really believe that letting go of myself and my agenda for everyone else will bring the highest level of fulfillment? Hmm.
Well, I just turned 42, and a question a friend asked a few weeks back still haunts me.
“Are you growing or just growing older?”
Ouch!
But I think humility, and the “growth” he asked about happens when I change my viewpoint and see pain and adversity as opportunities to make God look good. Could this be the “more” Jesus is talking about? What if his answer to my prayer for relief is this?
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Or am I still stuck on the “more” meaning material pleasures and the “being exalted” meaning power and success?
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
― C.S. Lewis
Thanks, Nelson, for your post, tonight. I got a lot, from your writings; some more Spiritual food, to digest, as I go to sleep.
Thanks Nelson, for your post. I always enjoy reading your mom’s posts as well. I recently turned 56, and that question has come up serveral times. I am glad that I am still growing instaed of just growing older.
God Bless!
Nelson, I still remember babysitting you and Lars and Linnea way back at your old house in Prospect Heights. And now, over thirty five years later, you have demonstrated much growth, both physically and spiritually. It is a joy to see. May God continue to use your earthly vessel and your humble heart to show forth His glory! Keep on keeping on, Nelson. 🙂
Dear Nelson – One of the best descriptions I have heard about our human condition is that we are ‘dirt, baked hard’. We are dust, shaped and formed into a rudimentary vessel to be filled with whatever. When we stay away from filling up with what we want, we humble ourselves. The exaltation comes from God when we allow Him to fill us what He wants for us. We are still dirt, baked hard (pots – some of us more cracked than others), but fit for use by a King. Blessings to you.
Thanks, Nelson, for your great blog; you children have such a rich heritage, and it is such a pleasure to ‘watch’ you all grow into adulthood, as well as in the Lord. I’m quite certain your dad is smiling down on you with delight, and your mom probably has to stop now and then to contain herself.
At the age of 77, I think continuing to grow is the height of God’s glory in our journey on earth. When I felt the most humbled in God’s sight – of recent times – was when I began to ask Him ‘to help me to see others through His eyes, and the situations that arose, ‘to help me understand from His point of view’. What an AWESOME God we serve.. God bless you.
I am 83 and the Lord Jesus is still teaching me (when I listen) how to walk closer to Him. Blessings. Jim. ( your mother taught you well )
I concur with the above comments. We exist to show others how great Jesus Christ is. We exist to represent Him to the world. “All truth exists to display more of God and to awaken more love for Him.”
(I’m not sure of the author — maybe John Piper)
Sometimes when I think about humility, it seems like such a relief. You mean I don’t have to have everything figured out? I can go one day at a time and just receive whatever God gives me? I can come to him like a helpless little child any moment of the day or night? It sounds great. I wonder why it’s still so hard for me…
Such a good post. There is much food for thought here. I have written several down in my journal. Thank you for filling in for your mom