…although in ourselves we are nothing, we are too apt to overestimate our own abilities and to conclude falsely that we are of some importance. This vice springs from the corruption of our nature. But the more natural a thing is, the more difficult it is to be discovered. (SC 6-7, Chapter 2)
It is not a message to warm the souls of people these days. Distrust thyself?
In fact, modern mega-churches seem built today for the express purpose of teaching us that we indeed are mega-strong…all-powerful, all capable. We not only can “do it.” We can do it ALL. This weekly message from the pulpit meets a deep human need, a godly hand-up offered to encourage us and pull us out of despair and discouragement.
But the message, lacking a godly foundation, is a false promise and a boastful claim. So what is this foundation we need?
Following the plans of the Architect of our life, we must build the structure of our life from the ground up. We must first meditate upon our own weakness. Consider the fact that, being nothing in ourselves, we cannot without Divine assistance, accomplish the smallest good or advance the smallest step towards Heaven.[i]
We are not the foundation of our success. There is a reason that pride is named as the Father of all Sins, a reason why all human virtues are fueled with humility.
God is not going to fight us for His right to guide us. If we are secure in our own power and wisdom, He will not interfere. He comes to our aid only by invitation.
We must open the door for God. We must bend a knee and entreat Him. And His presence in our heart is not for the purpose of celebrating our human strength. He is there to guide, teach, heal, correct, forgive, and love.
God’s power in our life is both the foundation and the summit of any strength we might have. But His strength will only fuel our life in the absence of our own prideful claim to personal power.
Humility empties a space in our soul for God to enter. We are weak. We are prone to sin. We are sons and daughters of Adam and Eve. This distrust of our own strength is a gift from Heaven, bestowed by God on those He loves.[ii]
When we wake one morning and are struck by our weakness, our failures, and our sins, there is no need to give up. Bend a knee. And give thanks to God.
God’s gift of humility is the foundation we need to be truly strong, a strength sent from above into a heart that has opened the door and made space.
Question: Today, Lord, what have I done to take control away from You?
PRAYER:
God, enlighten me that I may see myself as You see me and to celebrate Your wisdom and love that helps me grow in holiness and trust in You.
SCRIPTURE:
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him… [Phil 3:7-9]
i. SC 7
ii. SC 7
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