I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven'”. Matthew 16:19
We all know the importance to have the right key for the right type of lock. Today I was thinking about how our attitudes, perspectives and approachability can either lock or unlock our witness for God’s Kingdom. The key I was pondering today, was the key of humility. I think it can often be misunderstood in the body of Christ.
I find it interesting that in Acts 20:19, Paul makes this statement: I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear either publicly or in your homes. The word ‘humbly’ comes from the Greek word: tapeinophrosune. It means modesty, lowliness, humble-mindedness, a sense of moral insignificance, and a humble attitude of unselfish concern for the welfare of others. It is the total absence of arrogance, conceit and haughtiness. Not easy to develop this type of attitude, is it? It is not easy to have unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Putting ourselves first is much easier!
Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, but decided to invite the elders of the church at Ephesus to meet him in Miletus–a town about 20 miles away. Here he actually gave them his farewell speech. He knew that he would not see them again. Walking with a spirit of humility does not mean we need to walk/talk with groveling submission. In fact we need to walk with the confidence that God has given us.
If you read on in this chapter, you will find Paul making some very strong bold statements. I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death. It’s not my fault, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know. So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock–his church. Acts 20:28. Being humble does not mean you cannot be grateful for what and how God has done in and through you. What it does mean, you want Him to be glorified.
The key to humility is to care for and about others, more than ourselves. As Paul goes on you can hear the love and care he has for these dear folks. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you–my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. Acts 20:31-32.
Godly humility comes from the love of God shed broad in our own hearts. Paul’s strong words were born out of a desire for them to really get the message he was trying to convey. They knew his heart. His example before them gave him the honor and privilege and credibility to speak to them directly. The touching departure described in Acts 20:36 reveals the love they had for him and he for them. When he finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship. Humility opens hearts, our own hearts should be first!
Father, I ask you to help us understand the value of the key of humility. Teach us to set aside our pride and insecurity that would cause us to close doors rather than open them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
