Much-Needed Words

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." This verse from Romans 12 really struck me this morning. Humility is not a common theme among popular Christian culture. The message today is that “God’s grace is always enough to cover your sins,” that “Jesus is always beside you,” “God does not judge you, He loves you.” For the most part, these ideas are founded in Biblical principles. The problem, however, is that we find ourselves with a very imbalanced view of God. We want the closeness and fellowship He offers, without the (more difficult) part of serving Him faithfully, doing the things we do not enjoy but He asks us to do. Not that our relationship with God is based on works, or that He is only close to us when we obey Him, He is always with us. But often our pride or sin puts a mask over God and we cannot seem to hear what He has to say. 

Reading further in Romans 12, I came across Scriptures that I had apparently forgotten… “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor evil, cling to what is good. Be kindly affectioned to each other with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another…Giving to the needs of saints and being hospitable. Bless those who persecute you: bless, and curse not…Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits…If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:9-18, paraphrased, highlights) So much simple wisdom and admonition is packed in these verses.  Even though I have known this passage for years, I seem shove them to the back of my mind, and write them off as mere ‘good ideals.’ But where have I gone wrong? The Bible could not say it any clearer! We are not nearly as high as we think we are! In the sight of God, we are nothing, a heap of misery. Or I should say, we are a heap of misery until He fills us up with His goodness.  

This is only one passage of Scripture admonishing us as believers. But I urge you, even as I urge myself, to search the Bible and find out just what God has been trying to tell you. He wants to speak to you, but look for Him in the right place, the not-so-comfortable place, and you will be blessed! 

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.                  Jeremiah 29: 12,13