The essential tenets of the foundational message of the Gospel, though it is both good news and good tidings of peace; forgiveness, righteousness, present and eternal salvation in Christ, the Gospel message has and will continue to be very disdained and rejected by most of humanity.
Throughout its inception, up to our current times and beyond, the Gospel message, has in an evil systematic way, been under extreme attack with the intent of total destruction of its divine intentions, and reformational goals for all humanity. It goes without saying, that there is a spiritual battle for the souls of humanity between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world.
The historically most revealing ‘litmus test’ of the authenticity of the Gospel message and those who are committed to its life-changing transformation is better observed when great persecution comes! For well within the foreknowledge of God, the suffering and persecution of His Gospel message, as well as the ‘true called out ones’ are first, made possible only by His divine appointment and not by chance or by the power nor will of man.
Second, those whom throughout each generation will be proven worthy saints by their personal mastery in the area of spiritual virtues that they use when great trials, tribulations, and testings enter into their lives. Though human, committed followers of the Master who practice their faith within a godless culture never will compromise their spiritual divine call.
The Gospel message as well as the committed service and or spiritual witness of the followers of Messiah,” are to be compared to gold and silver which is tried in the open fires of persecution, only to withstand through the presence, power of the Holy Spirit of God; the wisdom and power of the Holy Scriptures, the examples of the martyrs [past, present, and future], and the Grace of God, to only shine out more brightly, with a greater lustre, glory, and greater influence in what truly matters the most to God, redeemed souls!
Where there is a strong presence of pride and self-importance, there is without any doubt, the oppositional breeding ground against the Gospel Message! This statement is an established reality for both nations as well as individuals. It is a biblical fact that in order to walk with God, one must first see oneself through the eyes of God’s holiness, righteousness, and His judgment. In the very presence of God, one will find themselves insignificant, powerless and humbled.
Then and only then will an individual begin to see themselves in relation to God, His creation and His plan for the redemption of all things that are corrupted by sin. Only then can one embrace and later begin to live and practice a Biblical worldview.
What better example of this requirement than the apostle Paul who revealed within his profound record in the Book of Philippians:
But what things were gain to me,
those I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,
for when I have suffered the loss of all things and count them rubbish that I may gain Christ,
and be found in Him… [Philippians 3:7-8]
Jesus from Nazareth likewise highly praised the virtue of humility in Matthew 5:3:
“Blessed is the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
For all of the other additional spiritual virtues that The Master presented in His sermon on the mount, it is the spirit of humility that essentially underlines all the others:
- Meekness [5:5]
- Hunger and thirsting for righteousness [5:6]
- Being merciful [5:7]
- Pure of heart [5:8]
- Peacemaker [5:9]
- Being blessed while persecuted for righteousness sake [5:10]
For within the Kingdom of God, the way up is down, with the spirit of humility!
Beloved of God, if you wish to know the Biblical worldview attitude and disposition of a person who is poor in spirit, please consider the following:
“Make me grasp, Adonai, what my end must be,
what it means that my days are numbered;
let me know what a transient creature I am.
You have made me my days like handbreadths;
for You, the length of my life is like nothing.”
Yes, everyone, no matter how firmly he stands,
is merely a puff of wind.
Humans go about like shadows;
their turmoil is all for nothing.
They accumulate wealth, not knowing who will enjoy its benefits.
Psalms 39:4-6 Complete Jewish Bible
The Prophet Micah likewise noted the importance that humility plays in how it assists the follower of Christ, in governing of their daily lives:
He has shown, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
I pray that this reading has somehow blessed your heart. Continue to stand firm in your faith regardless of oppositions that you are facing. For God has made us fearfully and wonderfully!
Grace and Peace