Christ sought to impress indelibly upon the minds of His disciples the lesson of humility. This is one of the most fundamental of all lessons, because it deals with the principle involved in the entrance of sin into the universe and in its perpetuation. It is also one of the most difficult lessons to learn. In Isaiah 14:12-14 we learn that it was the exaltation of self that brought about the downfall of Lucifer and his expulsion from heaven. Inspiration tells us that he said:
"I will ascend into heaven."
"I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: "I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation."
"I will ascend above the heights of the clouds ; "I will be like the Most High."
This same spirit of egotism and self-esteem he has ever sought to introduce and cultivate in the hearts of men and women, and thus to perpetuate his rebellion. When Jesus came, His purpose was to reveal the contrast between the rebellious spirit of self and sin, and the divine spirit of love and unselfishness. We read of Jesus that—
"[He] made Himself of no reputation, "And took upon Him the form of a servant, "And was made in the likeness of men: "And . . . humbled Himself,
"And became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Notwithstanding this constant example of humility and meekness on the part of their beloved Master, the disciples had many a struggle with that satanic trait of self-exaltation which has dominated humanity since the beginning of this world. On one occasion the mother of James and John came to Jesus and requested that He place one of her sons at His right hand and the other at His left in His kingdom. When the other disciples heard of this, they were "moved with indignation against the two brethren." The Saviour improved the opportunity to give them a kind but impressive lesson. He called attention to the practice among the Gentiles of seeking the highest place for self. "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." On another occasion He said:
"Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased ; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
At another time Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly of heart." He was the perfect example of His own teaching. Every act of His life consistently exhibited His meekness, and every word He spoke expressed His humility. One would suppose that this positive teaching of the Master, together with His wonderful example, would be held up everywhere as one of the most outstanding characteristics of real Christianity, for "to be a Christian is to be like Christ."
But we have only to look about us to see that the opposite spirit is most popular on every hand. The "big, dominant personalities," who override all obstacles, down all opponents, and carry out their desires regardless of the rights or happiness of others, are lauded to the skies. Often it seems that even in the church the one who is meek, humble, and self-effacing is not nearly so popular as the aggressive, domineering, conceited person. We form our conclusions from outward appearances, and forget the plain teachings of God's word. A young man may feel that he has a noble and legitimate ambition to achieve great things in the cause of God. Seeing some other man thrusting himself forward and reaching a high official position by shrewdness and determination, he follows the same course. Nevertheless, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." The advice of Jesus to such a young man is, "And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."
Some may hold the erroneous opinion that after a man achieves greatness, he can then afford to be meek and humble. But the fact is that no man is ever great until he is humble. This was true of Moses, the greatest of human leaders. "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth."
We are admonished by the apostle Paul to "let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Certainly God will never take any human being into heaven who cherishes the spirit of self-exaltation and personal ambition manifested by the fallen Lucifer. Why, then, de we not cultivate the spirit of meekness and humility that characterized our Lord? What a change there would be if throughout all our churches and our world organization every one would take His yoke and learn of Him!
" 'Father, where shall I work today?'
And my love flowed warm and free.
Then He pointed me out a tiny spot,
And said, 'Tend that for Me.'
I answered quickly, 'Oh no, not that.
Why, no one would ever see,
No matter how well my work was done,
Not that little place for me.'
And the word He spoke,—it was not stern,—
He answered me tenderly,
Ah, little one, search that heart of thine,
Art thou working for them or Me?
Nazareth was a little place,
And so was Galilee.' "
