Confident Humility

"Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." {Matthew 11:11}

Have you ever considered Jesus' statement concerning John the Baptist? The Bible tells us that John did no miracles. What made John the Baptist great was the message that he proclaimed. He was separated before birth to be the forerunner for the Messiah. He was also the one chosen by God to proclaim "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."

John's ministry was great. However, Jesus then goes on to say that "he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." How is this possible? Was Jesus speaking out of both sides of His mouth? Absolutely not. The reason that Jesus could make this statement is because John was operating under an inferior covenant. Among those born among women, John was the greatest because He has the greatest assignment. But among those born in the kingdom of heaven...well that is a different story. We live under a greater covenant. John had the Holy Spirit upon him for a purpose while we have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us. The quality of the kingdom of heaven inside of us brings about a greatness that John could never attain under the law. I believe John understood this. That's why you read of him telling Jesus that he had need to be baptized by Him.

During the course of this week, we have been looking at humility. While many people have defined humility as thinking less of ourselves, I would disagree. Humility is about thinking less of yourself, it's about thinking about yourself less. It's not about denying your greatness but about denying yourself for the sake of others. This is exactly what Jesus did throughout His life and ministry. You hear Him telling the Father in the Garden, "Not my will but Yours be done." Jesus came from greatness into obscurity. He left the glory of heaven to dwell upon earth. He took on the form of a servant, learned how to be a son through obedience, and took that obedience to the Cross. Yet even in His humility, He could say to Pilate, "You would have no authority over me if it was given to you."

"By telling us that 'humility' means convincing ourselves we are 'nobodies,' many Christian leaders have sold God's people into theological slavery. This belief system has not cured pride but has worked to destroy the confidence of God's people." ~ Kris Vallotton

I truly believe that it is God's desire for us to live in humility and yet be confident in who we are. Unfortunately, confidence always looks like arrogance to people who are insecure. Our humility isn't based upon demeaning ourselves. It is actually based upon us looking unto God as the One who created us - Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith - and realizing the significance that He placed upon us. This is why it's so important to know who you are in Christ. Allow God to define you through Jesus allows you to see yourself as He does. And when you and I begin to see ourselves the way God see us - WATCH OUT WORLD!!! Then we begin to operate in the greater works that Jesus promised.

As I close out this weeks blog, I want you to think about the fact that you were created for so much more than what you are experiencing. Don't allow any circumstance of life to define you. Don't allow any other human being to determine your worth. Allow God to speak over you all that you are in Christ. Allow His definition of you to carry you into a greater destiny. You may feel like you are the least in the kingdom of heaven but you are in the pathway of greatness.