Step Up And Step Out (111)

The Humble Cloak Of Humility
THE cloak of humility is a very understated attire. It doesn’t give room for self- glorification, neither for boasting nor for pride. And it is this very cloak that will keep you.

Pride comes before a fall – we’ve seen too much of that in history, society and perhaps in our own lives (at least it is hoped). Humility, on the other hand, comes before honour.

When you start overcoming your fears, you will finding victory here and there, be careful not to think much of yourself – not at all. Do not forget that it is when you looked to God in your weakness that you found His own strength perfect and working in you what was right. It can be too easy to slip especially when people praise you and ask you “How did you do it?”

Be careful to remember that you humbled yourself before God and He did it. Does it matter how you humbled yourself? Perhaps, but if you make it a point, watch that you do not elevate your act/s of humility above the fact that it is always the grace of God, for we are ever insufficient in ourselves.

A lot needs to be said on humility because it is the way up and the way to remain up. Loose it (humility) and great would be your fail. Take this for an example.

Imagine that the president of Nigeria was invited to an event and had to send someone in his stead. If he sent a well-known artist, the artist will share in his glory; people will stand and clap not so much because of the president (or for the president at all in many cases) but for the icon because of the projected image the icon already has. Why? They see his or her image or glory and rejoice in it (enjoy and hold it in high esteem).

On the other hand, what if he sends an unknown person? That person will in no way share his glory. Oh, he might be honoured for the simple fact that he was sent but speaking generally, not many would give him any honour at all. However, he can in his representation give honour to the president by extolling and expressing the presidents wishes and will in the best way he can.

You will find that the world’s idea of honour is very different from Gods. As Jesus lived his life on earth not to bring glory to Himself but to God, we should likewise do the same.

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
(Luke 17:10 ESV)
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
(Luke 14:11 ESV)
Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
(Hebrews 10:7 KJV)
Tough It Out! You Have Need For Patience...

Life can be hard – let us not forget that. It is easier to hear how Joseph was translated from the dungeon to the palace but not so easy to hear how many years he spent in slavery and in prison (thirteen years). David was anointed but it took him about fifteen years before he become King. He even had the opportunity to shorten those years but he chose not to help God out but to wait for God’s time. And so is the story of many faithful… Why does it take so much time?

There is a difference between a call unto a position and the preparation for that position. These men were called to take on great positions in their lifetimes, however, preparation came after the call. The fact that you have a vision that is exclusive to your implementation does not automatically mean that you are custom made ready to fulfil that position. It takes experience to qualify you to take on that position.

Sometimes, it takes us so long but it makes us wise enough to handle our position faithfully and efficiently. Especially when your vision has to do with other people (as all visions do) – You cannot be a novice, this puts others in jeopardy. God never places a novice in a position of authority. Men do unfortunately.

When a novice holds authority, he is susceptible to pride and falls under the same condemnation as the devil – dragging many down with him as well.

The exhortation is straight forward; be patient – Wait on and for God – do not be weary in this but strengthen yourself always in the Lord.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

(Romans 5:3-5 KJV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

(Philippians 3:12 ESV)
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
(1 Timothy 3:1-6 KJV)