an unassuming life
For as long as I can remember, I have listened to the narrative of “go and get what you want.” Our society loves to promote self-success and it worships those who can make it happen (no matter what it takes to get there). As I look around at our culture and the Church, I see this attitude permeating into all different spaces within our lives.
My question is: what does Jesus say about this?
As I read the Gospels and look at the life of Jesus, I can see that Jesus lived a counter-cultural life. The Bible speaks to this concept of being set apart from the world (John 17:15-18, John 15:19, Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:10, Psalm 4:3, 1 John 2:15). Jesus’ life embodied this way of life.
Jesus did not walk into spaces seeking attention or approval. He already had the approval of the Father (Matthew 3:13-17). People were drawn to Jesus simply because of His love for them. Jesus frequently went to deserted places to pray and be with the Father (Luke 5:16, Matthew 14:13). Jesus’ agenda was not to be seen and sought after by others, but to seek out those who had been cast aside by society—those who needed Him the most (Luke 19:10).
While I was processing my thoughts with the Lord, He took me to Luke 14:7-11. In this passage, Jesus is telling a parable about a feast. He is speaking about humility. Jesus says that when you go into a space, willingly take the lowest place. It is far better for the host to offer you a better seat than for him to ask you to take a lower place so someone more worthy can take yours.
Jesus only described Himself one time in the Gospels and the characteristics He chose might surprise you: “I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Jesus walked into spaces unassuming. He is the Son of God, and yet His approach was to walk in total humility and selflessness.
We are told that if we want to have an opportunity or we desire to be seen, we must make it happen for ourselves. No one is going to create something for us, so we must go out and get it ourselves. This leads to us stepping on others to reach the top, and it promotes manipulation or any other tactic that makes space for ourselves. This is not the way Jesus chose.
He did not take up space or create ways for Himself to be seen. He trusted the Father’s timing, for He knew that if God wanted Him to be seen or known He would be. There was a submission to the leadership of the Father that produced a contentment that could not be compromised by pride or the applause of others.
Friend do not feel that your future depends on your manipulation of a situation. Rest in the fact that as you abide in the Father, He will produce fruit in your life (John 15). Stop trying to get ahead of God and let Him lead you.
It is the better way, I promise.
