If truth be known, we are not a humble people but in fact we are the totally opposite! C.S. Lewis wrote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” And that is a virtue to which we all must strive to attain. Unfortunately, just as humility arrives to takes the stage, pride seeks to usurp his place. So today’s reading is indeed timely and right on target, for Christ Himself was the perfect illuminating example of humility and we are His children, we are the beloved and we should demonstrate this quality to all that cross our path.
From a prison cell, chained to a Roman guard, Paul sends a greeting letter to his beloved (his fatherly term of endearment) Philippians with some gentle reminders: be unified beloved, be of the same mind beloved, be humble beloved, have a Christ-like attitude beloved. And from that jumping off point, Paul eloquently provides the supreme example in the Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord, who left heaven to live amongst us. His love was as deep as the ocean is wide, as high as the heavens above yet he forsook all to lay his life down on an old rugged cross. His statement of “I came to serve not to be served” is the supreme example of humility. Because of his example God rewarded him with a name that is above every name and one day all will bow in humility before Him and confess Him as Lord.
And that is why beloved, you and I are to be working out, not working for, not working in, but working out our salvation with awe and reverence knowing that it is for all for His glory! And while we are working there should be no grumbling or complaining so that we reflect His glory to others and we will be prepared for the time of His return: blameless and pure. R.C. Sproul says: “To live coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.” And to that I say AMEN! Let’s join together and live Coram Deo!
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