Lowly In Spirit

For some reason in society we still get it wrong.

Some get it wrong by believing that it’s important to really make the most of yourself. Anything other than emphasising the positives is considered weakness. It’s all about letting everyone else know that I am the best and if there’s any reason to think otherwise it’s equally important to block those opinions from view and just press ahead with making me look great.

Or there’s the other extreme where I am completely hopeless at everything. It’s not just that I cannot do a particular task, it is that I’m not even worthy of being considered for anything. I am and always will be a loser and so it’s best if I avoid being mentioned for anything because there’s bound to be someone – anyone – who can do a whole heap better than me.

Being lowly in spirit does not embrace either perspective. This position of lowliness of spirit on the one hand recognises that I have abilities and qualities. These are of some use in different areas of life and to different folks. BUT it also recognises that there is nothing in me that generates any of this.  All that I am and ever hope to be I owe all to God. Seeing things in that perspective brings on the humility of mind that marks those lowly in spirit.

It is not for the lowly to boast in any except the one who has given them.  When it comes to acknowledging the one who has given then there is time for much making a fuss over who He is and how awesome He is.

It is not for the lowly to compare themselves to anyone else.  It is not for them to degrade others for not being in the same location in life.  The lowly because of their prostrate position before the creator, tend to hail the God-given abilities in others and praise God for them.

The lowly of spirit tap into the enduring truth of life that without God we are nothing and yet with Him we are all we need to be to accomplish all that we’ve been set to accomplish in life. With such an awe-giving realisation of such privilege, the lowly in spirit express wisdom and declare it for others to follow pointing all attention and giving all glory to Him who makes all things well.

This is why it’s much better to be lowly in spirit than anything else.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden