More of You Less of Me

More of You Less of Me:

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

In this world so many sheep fall astray, and it breaks our Shepherd's heart. Too often we hear of celebrities losing their marbles because they want something more. More attention, more money, more fame. It's so sad and heartbreaking to think, but truly that "something more" they're all after is the love of a Saviour, the embrace of the Father.

"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

I'm not implying that celebrities are "bad people." However, flesh is what's bad. Unyielded flesh runs unbridled and rampant. One who refuses to submit to the Lord, is deliberately and decidedly stumbling down a path that leads to downfall and destruction.

Let's delve into Proverbs 16:18 a bit more. Because of the Hebrew words used here, this verse composes some vivid imagery in our minds. The word used for destruction can depict rampaged ruins, sorrows, and even deformity.

I do not wish to stereotype or even name names. However, with that being said, we've all seen that it's not uncommon for a famous celebrity to lose his/her way, sell his/her soul, and end up becoming so completely bonkers that he/she looks nothing like what he/she did when first rising to fame - that loveable star with raw talent. The flesh is an unruly beast, and when untamed, brings utter ruination.

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2)

It's not that God wants us to live under rocks and never accomplish any great feats in our lives. God does call us to lead Kingdom-focused lives. We're not made to build up our own puffed up kingdom on earth, but to build up His eternal Kingdom.

It's completely impossible to tame our flesh on our own. Nonetheless, by submitting to the Holy Spirit, we're able to chain up the monstrous animal that is human nature.

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:7-8)

When we're placed into submission, the peace and purity of God are free to run their course in our lives. When the flesh is chained up in righteous rule, the enemy has no foothold in our lives. Now, don't begin to believe that this victory is of our own doing. There is only one way to explain this phenomena.

"But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”" (Matthew 19:26)

With God, ALL things are possible. I mourn over all the lost souls, because I know their cause is not lost. I know that they're not too far gone to turn around and repent. Jesus paid for their redemption too. All they need to do is repent and receive.

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord" (Acts 3:19)

"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

You see, it's not about what we can do to save ourselves or to restore righteousness. We're unable to heal our brokenness, but He is our great Physician. We're incapable of creating, let alone creating something marvellous. Only the Creator can do such wonders.

If we want to do anything that is monumental, we must work with the Lord. We must depend on Him solely - above our gifts, above our talents, and even above our previous failures. We must lay aside pride, and humble ourselves before the Father.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6)

We need not boast our way to honour and glory. Instead, by just realising the extent of how frail and undeserving we are, we can magnify the Lord's glory. We declare, "I once was lost, but now I am found. I'm found in His love, His mercy, and His favour. I'm an heir with my Saviour Jesus. Oh what a glorious God!"

"And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)

Whoever puffs himself up and raves about his own greatness will be brought low. He shall be dealt with justly and will come to his repentance, thereby coming back to a contrite and humble spirit.

Nevertheless, those who walk in humility under the hand of God, obeying His commands and extolling His majesty, shall inherit what is promised. Such humble and submissive spirits shall be filled with the joy of the Lord and the fullness of His grace. The Lord delights in honouring His good and faithful servants.

"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32)

In our quest to deny self, take up cross, and seek the Lord, we're daily cracking a disciplinary whip on our lawless flesh. Daily submitting ourselves under His sovereignty, and daily seeking His glory above our own recognition. Daily humbling our hearts before Him, and daily honouring His holiness. Daily blessing His majestic Name, and daily being bold to bring others into His light.

This is our destiny. Not that we seek to magnify our own ways, but to glorify His ways. We're made to worship, and worship is a life lived in surrender and humility.

Father, we come to You today, not to simply ask for the things we may need, but to give You our praise and thanks. We're hungering for more of You Lord. We're desperately seeking You, our Heavenly Father. Come, fill us with Your grace and peace. We thank You, and we seek only to bring You the glory for all that You've done - the glory and praise due unto You. In Your all powerful authority we go out into this world today, for Your Kingdom's purpose. In Your mighty Name we pray this, Amen.

-The Introverted Evangelist

Photograph Taken By: Raphael