Without this imputed righteousness, the Holy Spirit would not be living inside of you, performing His work of sanctification. Without this imputed righteousness, you would have no hope of heaven. Jesus' life of humility was for you.
Jesus' life of humility was also for His Father. It was Jesus' passionate love for His Father that caused Him to submit to the divine plan. Jesus once said, "I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me." That was Jesus' ultimate purpose in living and dying, namely, to do what He must to see His Father glorified. Jesus is the most God-centered person that ever lived, and thus He was also the most humble.
What About You?
Would you consider yourself a humble person? The question is a trap - whatever you answer you come across as being prideful. Yet we have been called by our Master's example to seek humility. Why? Just as Jesus humbled Himself that we might be saved, we ought to be humble because we are saved. For example, if any Christian would take a few moments to meditate deeply on what the Bible says we were saved from, humility would naturally arise in the heart. The incredible reality that we were dead in our transgressions and sins, living a self-destructive life of dangerous pursuits, and deserving of eternal punishment should quickly end any inclinations we might have to boast.
Furthermore, if we would take a few moments to consider how we were saved, humility would be nurtured in us. Before we were born, God chose us! While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! The only reason we are saved is because we believe on Christ, and even that faith is a gift from God, unattainable without His gift of regeneration. There is nothing that we can boast of in our salvation. We have been saved by grace and grace alone. Therefore, we have no right to look down upon those who still live in their sin, as if we are better than them. We are no better at all - only forgiven! Christians ought to be the most humble people in the world! We ought also to pursue humility because it is only through humble people that God is glorified. God is not honored by believers who boast of themselves rather than Him. To be a Christian is to be completely enthralled with His goodness and mercy, and to proclaim His wonders to the world. Such is the meaning of Paul in paraphrasing the prophet Jeremiah: "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
The truth is that this is who we were created to be: lovers of God. We will never know true joy if we pursue it through love for ourselves. The greatest Happiness in the world is to be so enraptured by God that boasting of Him is the natural outpouring of your heart.
A Test for Humility
As you consider your own life and whether or not you are imitating Jesus' example of humility, take some time to meditate on the following questions.
1. Is your heart empty of all arrogant thoughts?
2. Are you quick to boast about yourself to others?
3. Do you consider others better than yourself?
4. Do you take credit for your achievements, or do you give the credit where it is due, namely, to God?
5. Is your heart full of God, or full of yourself?
6. Are you a complainer? How is your complaining evidence of pride?
7. Are you quick to point the finger at others' faults?
8. Are you always willing and ready to receive reproof from others, or do you hate reproach?
9. Are you willing to be with people of all races, classes, and ethnic backgrounds, or do you consider yourself above certain groups of people?
10. Is there any trace of prideful, self-love hidden in your heart?
Justin Nale is pastor of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC - http://www.mhmbc.org
收藏至：
