Yesterday I introduced the concept of Ambition and Humility. We talked about the fact that having desires is not the core issue, because God places desires in our hearts to drive us to accomplish what He created us to be. The challenge is the mindset with which we approach those desires and if we are allowing God’s Spirit to direct them and multiply them so we achieve more (for His Kingdom) than we could ordinarily accomplish on our own. Knowing that no matter how good or accomplished we may be, without His favor with others, it is all wasted energy. Only His Spirit can coordinate all the right people and circumstances to make something extraordinary happen.

When I think about Christ and His ministry I see progressive steps. First He invested individually in His disciples to ensure they knew the man and a relationship was formed. He was real and they understood the person of Jesus. Next, He documented who he was with divine insight and wisdom, accompanied by miracles, healings and altering nature when it was appropriate. There should have been no doubt to anyone at this point, even though some of his disciples still doubted – and the reason they did so, was because of what happened in the next phase.

As Christ approached the last six months of His life, there was a lesson that was critical to the Apostles and to all of us that follow Him. Despite the momentum He built and the growing number of people that followed Him, He knew that what the world sees as popularity or success could be a trap for all His followers – then and now. So, the next transition was to the concept of not getting things out of perspective. The Apostles had to see that even as great as He was, the focus was on God the Father and not human accomplishments.

To further refine a few individuals, he chose His inner circle and took them up to view and experience the Transfiguration. In doing so, when they returned, the discussion then began about “who is the greatest of all the disciples!” OMG! While we can see what was happening as outsiders, I wonder if we would have reacted differently than the disciples at that time. My guess is probably not. Jesus was illustrating the concept that with greater authority, much more is demanded and required. The higher the position the greater the visibility and impact on others. This is why it is crucial to have an inner circle and others to hold you accountable.

To reemphasize the mindset, He washed their feet during the last supper. He wanted to emphasize that all of “this” is not about us or our accomplishments, even what we accomplish for the kingdom, but it is about the plan – the master plan of the Kingdom. We are only a small part of that and if we are wise, we will do our part and keep our mouths shut, saving our rewards for eternity, not man’s praise.

Then the ultimate act of humility. Willingly dying, knowing that NO ONE would understand! I cannot imagine the expressions on His disciple’s faces during the crucifixion.  I am sure it was utter disbelief and confusion was prominent. Then to endure that confusion for three days. Well, we saw the results when Jesus reappeared to them – doubt and fear, Satan’s key weapons. Yet, there was a point to be made and it was made with a most profound statement – the resurrection.

Humility is one of the hallmarks of the spiritual walk. It is a sign of maturity. It is a sign that we understand that this is not about us – it is about our role as it pertains to others and how that fits into His plan. It’s why God gives us children. It’s why God gave me you. He knew I needed to focus on you and not my ego – because that will always be a battle to fight, day in day out.

Love Dad