DIVINE HUMILITY REVEALED!

Philippians 2:3-5 (KJV) “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

ABSTRACT

This article explores the profound teachings from the experiences of Jesus and John the Baptist, emphasizing themes of humility, selflessness, and the essential presence of the Holy Spirit. It draws on biblical accounts and inspired guidance to illustrate how these principles apply to personal growth and community service.

DIVINE HUMILITY REVEALED!

This essay delves into the profound lessons gleaned from the lives of Jesus and John the Baptist, exploring themes of humility, selflessness, and the vital role of the Holy Spirit. We will examine John’s unwavering commitment to his divine mission, his gracious response to the growing influence of Jesus, and the implications of these principles for our own lives and service within the Christian community. We will consider how these biblical narratives intersect with inspired counsel, offering guidance for navigating the complexities of ministry and personal growth. Ellen G. White writes “It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell.” (The Great Controversy, p. 555, 1911). Sr. White also includes “The path to freedom from sin is through crucifixion of self and conflict with the powers of darkness. The battle is lifelong. It must be fought again and again.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 313, 1898). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence reveals that transformation occurs through focus on divine examples, as “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:1-2, KJV), and “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2, KJV). Sr. White states: “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name” (Education, p. 57, 1903). Sr. White further adds: “There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 159, 1905). The path of self-denial is the path to true joy and fulfillment in Christ. What challenges arise when jealousy threatens this harmony?

DISCIPLES’ JEALOUSY JAB!

The disciples of John, witnessing the increasing popularity of Jesus, felt a pang of jealousy. The disciples of John looked with jealousy upon the growing popularity of Jesus. They stood ready to criticize His work, and it was not long before they found occasion (The Desire of Ages, 178). This human reaction, so common even among those dedicated to God’s work, highlights the struggle against envy. John, however, exemplified true humility, declaring, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). This wasn’t mere resignation; it was a joyful recognition of Jesus’ rightful place as the Messiah. How often do we, like John’s disciples, allow jealousy to cloud our judgment, forgetting that our purpose is to lift up Christ, not ourselves? “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16, KJV). Sr. White writes: “If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most difficulties.” (Early Writings, p. 119, 1882). Sr. White also adds: “There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 159, 1905). Humility overcomes jealousy. “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life” (Proverbs 22:4, KJV), and “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3, KJV). Sr. White notes: “True humility is the evidence that we behold God and that we are in union with Jesus Christ” (That I May Know Him, p. 117, 1964). Sr. White further explains: “The grace of humility should be cherished by those who are in positions of trust” (The Review and Herald, May 7, 1901). We should rather “rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15, KJV), demonstrating genuine Christian love. What mission did John embrace to direct attention away from himself?

JOHN’S MIGHTY MISSION!

John understood his divinely appointed mission: to prepare the way for the Lamb of God. John represented himself as the friend who acted as a messenger between the betrothed parties, preparing the way for the marriage. When the bridegroom had received his bride, the mission of the friend was fulfilled (The Desire of Ages, 179). His role was not to attract attention to himself but to direct hearts to Jesus. “Looking in faith to the Redeemer, John had risen to the height of self-abnegation. He sought not to attract men to himself, but to lift their thoughts higher and still higher, until they should rest upon the Lamb of God” (Ibid., 179). Like John, our mission should be to point others to Christ, embracing obscurity if it means that Jesus is glorified. We must ask ourselves: Are we seeking personal recognition, or are we content to be a voice crying in the wilderness, pointing to the true Light? As John himself declared, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias” (John 1:23, KJV). And of Jesus, he proclaimed, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, KJV). “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him” (John 7:18, KJV). Preparation involves clearing paths for divine entry. “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3, KJV), and “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:1, KJV). Sr. White writes: “The work of John was designed to prepare the way for Christ. The same work must be done for the coming of Christ the second time.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 19, 1900). Sr. White further adds: “John the Baptist in his desert life was taught of God to endure hardship, and to deny himself, and to accept humiliation” (The Youth’s Instructor, February 1, 1873). Our focus should always be on glorifying God, not ourselves. How does the Holy Spirit enable this mission?

SPIRIT’S SACRED SURGE!

John recognized the importance of the Holy Spirit in receiving and understanding Jesus’ message. “No man receiveth His witness; so few were ready to accept Him as the Saviour from sin” (The Desire of Ages, 181). The Holy Spirit is given without measure to those who are willing to surrender their own will to Christ. “To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ ‘dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full.’ Colossians 2:9,10, R.V.” (Ibid.). How vital it is for us to cultivate a contrite and humble spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us and empower us for service! Are we allowing self to be emptied so that we can be filled with the Spirit? Jesus promised, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:15-17, KJV). And the apostles declared, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:32, KJV). “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8, KJV). Surrender invites divine empowerment. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14, KJV), and “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26, KJV). Sr. White writes: “When we bring our hearts into unity with Christ, and our lives into harmony with His work, the Spirit that fell on the disciples on the Day of Pentecost will fall on us.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 246, 1904). Sr. White also adds: “Those who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 354, 1900). The Spirit empowers us for service and witness. What does baptism signify in this empowerment?

BAPTISM’S BOLD BOND!

Baptism symbolizes a complete renunciation of the world and a commitment to Christ. “Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 91, 1900). It signifies a death to the old self and a resurrection to new life in Christ. “Apart from Christ, baptism, like any other service, is a worthless form” (The Desire of Ages, 181). It’s not just a ritual; it’s a declaration of allegiance. Have we truly understood the depth of commitment that baptism entails? As John warned, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:7-8, KJV). And Jesus declared, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36, KJV). “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38, KJV). Commitment demands full immersion in faith. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4, KJV), and “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27, KJV). Sr. White further adds: “Baptism is a sacred ordinance, instituted by Christ himself. He made baptism the entrance to His spiritual kingdom.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 111, 1898). Sr. White also writes: “Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply.” (Evangelism, p. 307, 1946). Baptism is linked to repentance and the reception of the Spirit. How does wisdom guide us in facing division?

WISDOM’S WITHDRAWAL WIN!

When the Pharisees sought to create division, Jesus withdrew to Galilee. “Wishing to avoid all occasion for misunderstanding or dissension, He quietly ceased His labors, and withdrew to Galilee” (The Desire of Ages, 181). Even in the face of injustice, Jesus modeled grace and wisdom. John’s response to the growing popularity of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), exemplifies a spirit of humility and selflessness. “Happy are they who are willing for self to be humbled, saying with John the Baptist, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’” (Ibid., 182). How can we, in our interactions with others, emulate this spirit of humility and avoid creating division? The Gospel of John tells us, “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee” (John 4:1-3, KJV). “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3, KJV). Grace prevents conflict. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10, KJV), and “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, KJV). Sr. White also adds: “True Christian politeness is the golden clasp that unites the members of the family in bonds of love, becoming closer and stronger every day.” (The Adventist Home, p. 426, 1952). Sr. White further writes: “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 470, 1905). Humility is key to unity. In what ways does God’s love orchestrate events for humanity?

GOD’S GRAND GESTURE!

God’s love is evident in the way He orchestrates events to draw humanity to Himself. He doesn’t force Himself upon us. He allows John to prepare the way, then reveals Himself in Jesus. This echoes the theme of free choice. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). The Father’s love is demonstrated in the gift of His Son, and Jesus’ love is shown in His willingness to give His life. This is the ultimate expression of love, a love that seeks not its own but the salvation of humanity. This love is not coercive but persuasive, offering us the opportunity to accept or reject His gracious offer. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10, KJV). The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us.” (Steps to Christ, p. 13, 1892) Sr. White also adds: “God is love. His nature, His law, is love. It ever has been; it ever will be.” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911) Sacrifice defines divine affection. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV), and “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9, KJV). Sr. White states: “God manifested His love in the work of creation. When the earth was created, it was holy and beautiful. God pronounced it ‘very good’” (Signs of the Times, July 30, 1896). Sr. White further notes: “I have seen the tender love that God has for His people, and it is very great” (Early Writings, p. 39, 1882). God’s love is proactive and sacrificial. What does surrender to this love entail?

SURRENDER’S SWEET SUMMON!

Our responsibility toward God is to surrender our will to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us. “We are not only to say, ‘I believe,’ but to practice the truth” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 92, 1900). This means more than just intellectual assent; it requires a life of obedience and conformity to His will. We must allow the light of the Word, the voice of conscience, and the strivings of the Spirit to produce in us genuine love for Christ, manifested in obedience to His commandments. How can we more fully surrender our lives to God and allow Him to work in us and through us? “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1, KJV). This speaks to a complete consecration of our lives to God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). Submission yields divine provision. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, KJV), and “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, KJV). Sr. White also adds: “Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will never be placed in a position for which He has not made provision.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 248, 1905). Sr. White further writes: “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children.” (Education, p. 18, 1903). Every aspect of our lives should reflect our devotion to Him. How does this devotion extend to others?

NEIGHBOR’S NOBLE NEED!

Our responsibility toward our neighbor is to reflect the love of Christ in our interactions with them. We are called to “point some soul to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world” (Historical Sketches, 140, 1886). This involves more than just sharing the gospel; it means showing compassion, offering comfort, and being a means of salvation to those around us. Like John, we should point people to the Lamb. How can we be more intentional in showing Christ’s love to those we encounter in our daily lives? “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, KJV). Our actions should demonstrate the reality of our faith. “But if any man have this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17, KJV). Compassion fulfills the law. “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18, KJV), and “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31, KJV). Sr. White further adds: “If we are Christ’s, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him.” (Steps to Christ, p. 58, 1892). Sr. White also adds: “Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898) Love for our neighbor is demonstrated through practical acts of kindness and generosity. What lessons emerge from reflecting on these truths?

REFLECTIONS’ RADIANT REVEAL!

The lives of Jesus and John the Baptist offer profound lessons in humility, service, and the importance of the Holy Spirit. John’s willingness to decrease so that Jesus could increase is a powerful example for us all. We must constantly examine our motives, ensuring that our service is motivated by love for Christ and a desire to glorify Him, not ourselves. We must allow the Holy Spirit to fill us and empower us for service, surrendering our own wills to His. The call to humility is not a call to weakness, but a call to strength found in Christ. It is in humbling ourselves before God that we are truly exalted. John’s words, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” encapsulate the essence of true Christian service. May we, like John, embrace humility, point others to Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives. May we be willing to decrease so that Christ may increase in us and through us, bringing glory to God and salvation to those around us. Service demands self-denial. “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28, KJV), and “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, KJV). Sr. White states: “The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 471, 1905). Sr. White further explains: “The spirit of the slothful servant we are often fain to call humility. But true humility is widely different” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 363, 1900). May this be our experience as we follow in the footsteps of our Savior.

“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30, KJV).

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

DIVINE HUMILITY REVEALED!

Leave a comment Cancel reply