Submission to Grace (Part 2)

15 Oct Submission to Grace (Part 2)

I have also realised that every dimension of grace calls for our hearts to submit to it. Submission is yielding to one another and this is only possible when we humble ourselves.  Grace can only teach those who are yielded to it. When apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers want to impart the grace they carry in their office callings, it is still the humble who will receive the grace they can impart! How much we miss out when we hold on to our opinions and cares, instead allowing grace to move us on in God’s plans for our lives!

This write-up is calling for a heart examination. How much are we in the state of humility which will enable God to correct, equip and impart strength into us for the journey ahead? How much are we willing to have a change of heart, lifestyle or disposition so we can be better positioned for grace to promote us? He gives grace to the humble. A mark of humility is teachableness. How teachable are you? Humility also affects attitudes. Some attitudes communicate a lack of teachableness. Humility also affects your opinion of yourself with respect to others. See what Paul had to say to the Philippians in chapter 2 of the book.

Philippians 2:3-13

“Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].

 Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.

 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus:[Let Him be your example in humility:]  Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [ possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,  But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.

And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  And every tongue [ frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self- distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).  [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.”

So true to New Testament lifestyle we must let God exalt us, not doing it ourselves. We must yield to God, His processes, His Word and His leaders He put in our life. May The Lord grant us the grace to be doers of these things.  God bless.