Key 9 - Can you gain confidence through acts of caring, with gentleness and submission to the word? We are to be as Christ-like as we can be, and he was gentle, kind and submissive. Jesus also walked in confidence – yes, though it may seem too hard to accomplish, we are to be like him.
In His words: Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly at heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, my burden is light. (Matt. 11: 28-30)
Take just a minute and read again Christ’s description of himself. He tells us he is meek and lowly at heart. What does that mean?
No where in the Bible can you read that the Son of God, the almighty, all knowing one, pounded his chest, pointed his finger and bellowed “Follow me….I am the greatest, smartest and strongest of the world!" or "I am God, do what I say…NOW!” The great boxer Mohammad Ali (Cassius Clay) and members of the World Wrestlers Federation have a lock on that behavior…no, Christ was very secure in the knowledge of who and what he was and he didn’t need to grandstand. He leads with love and we follow because of our need of the peace and rest he promises. In his description he describes himself as gentle and humble.
Do we imitate that example? When you look at the life of Christ you will recognize the wisdom of God, the caring of the Father for his children; that he is an encourager and capable of great forgiveness. Christ is also a man of serious indignation at even the thought of grieving the Spirit or sinning against the almighty, such as in idol worship or cheapening the house of God. The word says He hates lies and deceit among so many other things and yet he still submitted his life; turned it over to the enemy for us; the enemy He also died for. In his gentleness he forgives all and in his submissive spirit he released himself for our salvation.
He instructs us to learn about him. He has so much He wants to give us, like ‘rest’ for instance. I know that when I am most weary, leaning on Him is what brings the most peace and security.
I Peter 2:21 tells us that we are to walk in his steps or follow his example through the way he lived. Christ was sacrificed, not for any wrong doing of his own but because of a love that we do not understand.
If you are saved; a born again believer in the Son of God, then you were called and if you are called, you are to follow the examples of Christ himself.
A time to meditate on Christ:
Take time to think about all the characteristics of Jesus Christ. Think of his names, such as ‘Counselor’ and ‘Prince of Peace.’ Meditate on all the knowledge you have about Him and then make a list of all the areas he represents that you need help in. Don’t be afraid to say “God, forgive me for that’s where I need the most help. I’m not very forgiving,” or “Heavenly Father, give me a heart to serve as Jesus does, even now,” etc.
Christ-like areas I need in my life: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
Christ submitted – his life for ours – He died that we might live. God gave his son for that reason. (I John 4:9) Are you submissive to the will of God? Careful here. If you say yes it means that you are not in control of your life and that you accept whatever plan God has for you. Generally we desire controlling our own lives. It makes us feel safe or secure to be the one making the decisions. I have found that the most difficult of decisions bring volumes of peace when I turn the outcome over to Him. Remembering that I can’t know or dictate the end or outcome of a circumstance or issue in my life, causes me to step out in faith and trust the Lord with my greatest needs.
Now, think about areas in your life that you are burdened about. Are you confident enough in your faith to submit and accept the outcome of those burdens?
If you are lacking in confidence, confess it here and now. Talk it over with the Lord. His gentle nature will draw you to him and then you will not fear submitting to His will.
Gentility and meekness does not mean you are a push over or weak.It means that you are sensitive to the ways of God and humble enough to walk in his steps.
Walking in Peace / division of C.O.P.E. Women's Ministries Sue Puff, author