Humility

hu·mil·i·ty

 

–noun

the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

By definition humility is an estimate of one's own importance, however what do I base my importance on? Depending on where and how we are brought up often times lends to our perception of who we are, education often times plays a factor, not to mention any professional training we might acquire through various jobs. Position within any organization where we are over others often causes us to become head strong if not channeled correctly. Needless to say, our example regardless of the role or realm in which we operate should always be one of humility.

Unfortunately, chivalry, common courtesy and the "please you go first" mentality appears to be a thing of the past. I totally understand being in a hurry, my boss always tells me, "we work on a stop watch, not a calender", merely attempting to impress upon me the need to obtain immediate and sustained results. That of course is the work place and meeting a metric is crucial to profitability.

What stops me from being humble in my social circle, my family atmosphere, my place of worship?

True humility is not only a condition of my heart but a reflection of it. First, I must understand my position in relationship to the God of the universe, and allow that to be the standard to which I base my understanding of who I am.

God speaking to Job in 38:4 stated ""Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell [Me], if you have understanding."

In comparison, I am nothing, now hold on, being nothing isn't an elimination of your existence but merely a position or an attitude that we occupy in an effort to be in obedience to that which we were called. Besides, how do I fulfill the role and responsibility of the title of "Christian"?, To be Christ like. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

There's that word again, Power! True humility lye's in the Power of Christ, so that means that Christ has to be in me in order to produce the fruit of humility.

But listen brother, I'm a man! thus the mis-understanding, meekness/humility, in no way advocates weakness, this is true power under control or restraint. Just because we have the ability to do something in force doesn't mean we have to! We choose to bring our flesh into submission.

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." Phil 2:3

So basically I need to put others first, willingly! Trust me when I say this simple act is so much harder than it sounds. However, it starts with me!

No unction in your function?

Well today Monday May 24th while I was frequenting the local YMCA, as I attempt to do on a regular basis for some hydro therapy in the extremely hot jacuzzi with folks many years my senior, they make me feel young! Anyways, while changing into my speedo brand swim trunks, there blue with the little pocket inside that's hardly big enough to fit my locker key in, when from my backside I heard a voice say "Acts 1:8"! This was prompted by some body art I have on my back, between the shoulders, I refer to it as an outward expression of an inward faith! Stay with me here, I responded with "Yes, The Power of the Holy Spirit!" and thus the conversation ensued, as my new acquaintance informed me that he had taught on that very subject this last Sunday. Always attempting to validated the integrity of my audience, considering that the Y is an equal opportunity facility, with many varying world views and not that I wasn't willing to accommodate, but I asked, Oh where did you share that at? This resulted in my being reminded by him of the fact that the previous Sunday was 40 or 50 days after the Resurrection and as a result the Pentecost Celebration.

The day of Pentecost represents the promise made by the Son of God prior to his Ascension into Heaven. The Disciples where instructed to wait in Jerusalem for this manifestation of the Spirit of God to take place, and it did! The lives of believers where changed forever, now being empowered supernaturally by the Spirit of God. Now, don't get weird on me, I know the whole HOLY GHOST thing has been given a bad rap as a result of individuals attempting to exploit this beautiful and wonderful gift promised to us by God.

If in fact you are a believer and have never prayed for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, for fear, I would ask that you read, Living Water by Chuck Smith, available wherever Christian books are sold, also your Bible is an excellent source, and reliable!

• John 14:16-18
• John 15:26
• Acts 1:4
• Acts 1:8

(Just a few scriptures that address this promise).

This power is for service! Choose this day whom you will serve?

Introduction to Blogging! Rhymes with Flogging!

Well, I truly hope this wont be as painful as a flogging! This is my very first entry, or more specifically my first blog! Those of you who know me, know that I often have a lot to say about nothing, and some of the facts I keep in my frontal lobe, current usable memory often equate to nothing of value to anyone!
I just finished putting together a picture montage of my daughter Vannessa for her upcoming graduation ceremony, it is amazing how the years pass so quickly. As I sorted through the pictures and reminisced of those past memories of my little girl, now a women, soon to be independent productive citizen it just further solidified the fact that I am getting old! Yep, as I see myself in many of the pictures, oh how time takes it's toll on my "I will Live FOREVER" Attitude. None the less I am more secure today than ever before in who I am and what I stand for. As I see the fruit of my wife's labor in our beautiful and very well socialized (Home Schooled) daughter who will be graduating from high school well prepared for what lay ahead.
How does a parent prepare for this time, it's a lot like readying one's self for the death of their ageing parents, you don't! you just deal with it the best to your ability. Spiritually, I'm ready but as a parent Ive never felt more concerned, while my wife has always been to primary caregiver, Ive always been the one that holds my children when the are put in a position of pain, dentist, doctor, etc..
I could control those situations because I could see them coming, but now I am not sure how to protect her, I can only pray for her and trust that God will, protect her. I now must trust in, "Train up a child in the way she should go, And when she is old she will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

As some might say, we are now arriving at a new station in life, and since tomorrow is promised to no one, I must take joy in today and not worry about tomorrow, easier said than done.