“And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:17 (KJV)
Today’s Scripture passage is somewhat unsettling to human beings because it teaches us our place . . . an humbling place. We do not like being in any place below first place. And we conveniently discount and/or ignore any message that instructs us otherwise . . . even Scripture.
How does one attain authentic humility? All other so-called humbleness is revolting. To most people, humility is a weakness – a defect in self-confidence – but humility is strength of character. The truly confident person understands his/her place and accepts it as reality. Such acceptance of reality is difficult for many people, even Christians, because of who or what is given first place in their lives. An unknown author wrote, “When we give God second place, we give God no place at all.”
Authentic humility? It settles over us when we recognize that His Most Holy Majesty, the Resurrected Christ comes first. Humility is the realization that He created everything and maintains the cohesion of his creation. And if He doesn’t hold it together, then it will not continue. Consider what Christ has done for us: He humbled himself on the Cross of Calvary as a sacrifice that takes away our sin. He humbled himself in the grave as an assurance that sin is defeated. He humbled himself to be resurrected as the power of life for everyone who believes in Him. If nowhere else, surely we can find a reason in His death, burial, and resurrection to be humble.
He is worthy of first place! No one else has done what He has done!
Dear Father, thank you for Christ and the victory he provides. May he always have first place in our lives! In the name of Jesus, I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the Lord,