Humility and Stars

Since the beginning of time, there has always been competition, jealousy, and a struggle for power. Cain, the Bible's first homicide suspect, fed his jealousy and eliminated his "competition", his own brother, in a rage. This is not uncommon as thousands of years have passed and yet this motive for homicide continues today. Humility has definately been lost in a society that is crawling with those who will stop at nothing to win... and anything to succeed...

Success is measured in society by wealth, possessions, accomplishments, and status. Self-interest is taught in colleges across the planet, yet Paul writes the Phillipian church and tells them "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil 2:3)."

This is not taught in colleges, high schools, and work... Yet, these are the "general orders" issued to Christians... Paul goes on to talk about our attitude and reminds us that even Christ, while on earth, took a role as a humble servant and not as a deserving leader or king. Jesus walked this earth in humility and we should follow his lead.

I heard a quote on the radio yesterday that "people care more about your character than your accomplishments" because in the end... you are mostly remembered for how you made people feel... and with this being the case, we need to work harder at loving and less at grumbling...

Paul goes on to tell this group, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe (Eph 2:14). Many of us are not radiating stars, instead we are overcome with anger and bitterness. We spew out words of disgust for our assignments and we work not unto the Lord but with a spirit of rebellion. We forget our calling... we have no idea of the "plans" God has for us... if we cannot handle being servants.. how then can we handle being leaders... when we finally release the reigns... step back.. and allow God to take control... we then may be ready for our true calling...

We must handle change with better attitudes, we must take orders with humility and kindness, we must bring ourselves down a notch and rememeber that God wishes for us to be shining stars in a darkened generation... our calling is so much more than walking the same beat... answering the same phones.. driving the same route.. and harboring the same bitterness.. embrace the role of servant... and one by one... we will light up the world....