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Ungodly Leaders

13 Mar
Ungodly Leaders

We’re continuing our walk through the epistle of Jude. He’s been showing us how to spot and avoid false teachers.

He used a lot of analogies in his writing. Now we come to his conclusion of this section. He makes his description plainer.

Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Jude 14-16 NIV

I think it’s clear from this section that the key word is “ungodly”. Their life and “ministry” are all about themselves and what people think about them.

One important thing we need to realize is that ungodliness itself does not make you unsaved. There is a such thing as an ungodly Christian. However, if you continue long enough and far enough into ungodliness, you could lose your standing in Christ.

A number of years ago I was leading a high school boy’s Bible Study at a Christian school. A question that I got asked on a regular basis was, “Can I ___________ and still be a Christian?”

The blank was different every time, but the attitude was the same. It might have been about alcohol, dancing, R-rated movies, or rock music. The focus was the same each time it was asked. They were basically asking me, “How close to the world can I go and still make it to Heaven?”

Unfortunately, that’s the way a lot of Christians live out their lives. They look at the “religious” side of their life. They read the Bible, pray regularly, and go to church. So, they’re okay. The rest of the time they do what they want. In our society they’re considered good Christians.

That’s what ungodly church leaders are like. They want to look the part – super spiritual in front of others. All the while they’re self-absorbed. Many times, you can see it in their conversation.

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

2 Timothy 2:16

Here Paul is warning a young pastor not to get involved in godless talk because it leads you further into ungodliness. That makes it clear that a Christian can be ungodly to a point. But what does that mean?

Simply put, ungodliness means that you live each day with no thought of God being involved in your life. You can be saved, on your way to Heaven, and love Jesus. But in your daily life you don’t look for God to have a big role.

You make your plans for the day or the week ahead. Then you go before God in prayer and ask Him to bless it. You may not want to hear this, but that is an ungodly lifestyle. You’re not unsaved, you’re not an evil person; you’re just living a godless lifestyle.

Godly leaders cannot live this way. The Scripture gives us the pattern of life that will bring God, Himself into our daily lives. He should affect all that we do.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…

Titus 2:11-13

Jude wants believers, especially church leaders, to avoid the traps of ungodliness.

Question: What does it mean to get God involved in our daily lives?

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 13, 2026 in Leadership, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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For Profit…or Loss?

02 Mar
For Profit…or Loss?

I have been going through Jude’s tiny epistle. He’s giving us the characteristics of false teachers and preachers. Now he goes on to a new description.

…they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error…

Jude 11b NIV

To understand this one, we need to know about Balaam, from the Old Testament. His story is found in the book of Numbers, chapters 22-24. You can read that section to get all the details.

Basically, this event took place while Israel was wandering in the wilderness on their way to the promised land. As they were going through Moab territory, the king of Moab got worried.

The king summoned a local, pagan, enchanter named Balaam. He was told that the king would reward him handsomely if he cursed Israel. This was to be done so that Moab could defeat Israel in battle.

God then got Balaam’s attention, and He warned him do only what he heard from the Lord. Balaam must have been planning on ignoring this warning because God used a talking donkey to reiterate this.

He then tried three times to bribe God with sacrifices. He wanted God to curse Israel or parts of Israel. Each time, God made it clear that He would only bless them. Finally, unable to curse Israel, Balaam went back to his home.

Jude uses this event in Israel’s history to reveal a motivating factor in false teachers. He’s saying that these charlatans are in it for the financial gain they receive.

Many times, this is evident on TV and online. Of course, not every famous preacher is looking for financial gain. Most are truly bringing God’s Word to their hearers.

However, there are a few who are greed driven. I am convinced of one thing when I view their show. The only reason they study the Bible is to find Scriptures that will convince you to take money from your pocket and put it in theirs.

Paul dealt with that issue as well.

Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

2 Corinthians 2:17 NIV

We have to be careful where we sow our seed (financially). If their entire message revolves around sending them an offering, something’s wrong.

When a godly teacher stands before the people of the Lord, it’s not about what they want to hear. His or her message must be the result of time spent with the Holy Spirit. What does the Lord want the people to hear.

I can’t teach something because I know it will get everybody excited. Then, I’ll get a bigger offering. That’s not how it works in the Spirit. I preach what the Lord dictates and He provides for my needs.

Paul sums it up well. He speaks of these false teachers as…

…men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:5-7 NIV

This is why we have to be careful who we support with our finances. That support will cause us to share in their blessings or their God-given discipline.

Question: What experience have you had with ministry for financial gain? If you leave a comment, DO NOT name names.

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 2, 2026 in Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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God as Choreographer

24 Sep
God as Choreographer

We’re currently going through the epistle of 1 Peter. In my last post, I talked about making sure the glory goes to God. Today I’ll continue with that thought.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11

In this verse Peter is telling us that when we speak, we should speak as God Himself speaking. He literally tells us that when we serve, our words are originating from the force of which God is the dance-leader.

Peter actually uses the Greek word for choreographer, in speaking about God. Think about it. God is the great universal Choreographer.

I encourage you, then you pray for sick, when they’re healed, they go and evangelize the lost. It’s like one great dance.

We all need to be involved in God’s choreography. Instead, we sit back and wait for others to do the work of the Lord. Think about what the Nutcracker Suite would be like with only three dancers. Then we complain, “God isn’t blessing this church.”

God gives grace and choreographs His will to be accomplished on earth. We do the performance, and God gets the glory in everything through Christ. The Lord receives glory, dominion, power, and strength forever and ever.

If you remember from a previous post, we are the administrators of God’s grace. Allowing God to use us in His choreography is a big part of this.

Paul understood the truth of this teaching.

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you…

Ephesians 3:2 NIV

Do you hear what the apostle is saying here? It’s in the administration of God’s grace that He gives me His grace. But, more importantly, the grace He gives me is actually for you.

I would be doing a grave disservice to God if I failed to pass on that grace. Unfortunately, we do that all the time. We either don’t follow through with what God is doing in us, or we ignore His calling altogether.

Much of the grace God gives to us is for someone else. I heard a great preacher once say, “God always blesses you with someone else in mind!” We need to live with that truth before us.

Always remember that God is the great Choreographer. It’s up to us to be a part of what He’s doing in this generation. Don’t be left out of the blessing; join the dance!!!

Question: How have you experienced God as Choreographer in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 24, 2025 in Ministry, Power of God, Spiritual Walk

 

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Fullness in Christ

22 Dec
Fullness in Christ

We’re continuing our walk through Colossians. In my last post we saw that Jesus Christ is God. The fullness of deity is in Him. But that’s not the end of the story.

Paul continues the statement we looked at in that post.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

Colossians 2:9-10 NIV

That second half is the most amazing part. We’ve been given fullness in Christ. He wants us to take part in His power and authority. The Lord allows us to walk in this as we serve Him.

Jesus Christ is now in the highest place of authority. His name is above all others.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11 NIV

As I’ve said, Jesus Christ has the highest level of authority in the universe. But, He doesn’t just sit on His throne and watch the world go by. He’s an active participant.

In order to see His will accomplished, Jesus uses normal people like you and me. Anyone who will submit to His lordship comes under that authority. At that point, it’s passed on to those in submission to Him.

The Lord fully expects us to walk in and use His name in all of our activities. That means I need to strive to live the way He lived. That’s the only way I can adequately represent Christ to the world. It also means that I have a responsibility to seek the Lord’s way of ministry.

When we look at the world around us, we see people in spiritual darkness and captivity. They’re trapped in a world system that’s under the control of the kingdom of Satan.

It’s up to us, God’s people, to set them free and bring them to the cross. That’s where they can find true salvation for their souls.

In order for that to happen, there are some things that we need to understand. We can’t go into this battle with only half the information.

The first thing that we have to realize is that Christ has already won the war.

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:15 NIV

Jesus Christ has once and for all won the victory over all the power of the enemy kingdom. However, that doesn’t mean that the fighting has stopped.

Just like in WWII, when the Axis powers collapsed, the Allied forces had to mop up the remaining troops. They had to enter the concentration camps and free the surviving prisoners. That’s where we are in the spiritual war today.

The trouble is that even in defeat, the enemy is dangerous. He wants as few people as possible to be set free by the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The same power over the enemy that the Lord walked in has been conferred upon us. We have authority over the enemy’s kingdom.

As we spend quality time in God’s presence, we find the resources we need for the victory. Only then will we see lives transformed by the power of the cross.

Question: How have you walked in the power and authority of Christ?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on December 22, 2023 in Anointing, Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Spiritual Warfare, The Gospel

 

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Passion and Pressure

04 Dec
Passion and Pressure

I’m continuing with my walk through Paul’s letter to the Colossian church. In my last post, I talked about faithfulness. Now Paul shares his passion for the church.

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

Colossians 1:24 NIV

Here we see the heart of Paul for the people of God. He rejoices in his suffering for the church. But we really need to understand that word.

The apostle is not talking about a physical hurt. This is an emotion type of suffering. It’s the passion he has to see these believers walking in their true potential.

Then he goes on to describe another thing that he’s feeling. Paul lives under the pressure of seeing what’s lacking in God’s children. That’s what the word affliction means in this verse.

This combination of passion and pressure is what drives him forward. It’s something that we need to learn in our ministries today. Do I feel the passion and pressure to advance the church of Jesus Christ?

This is what’s needed for effective ministry. Unfortunately, there are too many times when we look for the easy way forward. We shy away from any kind of emotional hardship.

I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.

Colossians 1:25-26 NIV

It’s through the passion and pressure that Paul has become a servant in the body of Christ. The word, commissioned, in the above verse is a Greek word from which we get our English word, economy.

In God’s economy, Paul has become a servant to those he ministers to. That’s one of the problems we have with Christian “lingo”. The word, minister, actually means a servant. Somehow, we’ve elevated it in church circles to mean the person in charge.

Yes, it does speak of leading. But it’s a servant leadership. The kind of leadership exemplified by Christ Himself.

According to Paul, it’s this kind of service that brings God’s Word to light. He wants to see this Word fulfilled in the lives of God’s people.

Until that time there was a great mystery. What was this mystery? The fact that God was going to call Gentiles into His kingdom. Jesus Christ came to seek and save all of lost humanity.

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27 NIV

Until this time, God’s glory was reserved only for the Jewish people. Now, all of mankind can be a part of the glorious kingdom.

This is where the passion and pressure come from. Knowing that we have the answer to what the world is hungering for. That should drive us forward to bring the message of Christ to the world.

Let the Gospel consume you. Let the world see the glory of God in you.

Question: How strong do you feel the passion and pressure of the Gospel?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on December 4, 2023 in Leadership, Ministry, Revival, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Faithfulness is the Key

01 Dec
Faithfulness is the Key

As we go through Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we’ve been talking about the supremacy of Christ. He is Lord over all of Creation. He’s the supreme Commander – the Head of the church.

Now Paul looks at our relationship to Him.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.

Colossians 1:21 NIV

Things didn’t start out too good for us. We began our lives as enemies of God. Everything in our beings wanted the opposite of God’s will for us. Thank God the story doesn’t end there!

But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation – if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Colossians 1:22-23 NIV

Because of the work on the cross, Christ brought us back into right standing with God. Being fully God and fully man, He was the only one who could bring about such a great redemption.

Now I can enter the presence of God without fear, anytime I want to. Because of Christ, I now can stand before Him holy, clean, and without any accusations.

There are many who want to emphasize this point. They push the fact of our position in Christ. Some take this a little too far.

They almost get into the same ditch as the Gnostics. They feel that they can live however they want and still be considered holy, clean, and without condemnation. But, if you read this verse closely, you’ll find an “if”.

This is a big “if.” We all like to think that we’re unconditionally free from accusation. We quote that there is now no condemnation in Christ. But these verses are all contingent upon us continuing our walk of faith, trusting the Lord’s will for us. It’s not about me fulfilling my plan and desires.

On the other hand, if you’re truly walking in faith, then you’ll be obedient to what the Lord desires for you. You won’t be off doing your own thing, trying to fulfill your own wants and desires.

If you’re really trusting God, then you love Him and His ways. Unfortunately, with many it’s only lip service.

Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

Proverbs 20:6 NIV

It’s easy to say that you love the Lord. The real question is; are you faithfully carrying out His will? It doesn’t matter how spiritual you make it sound. The only true sign of unconditional love is faithfulness to the plan God has set out for you. Apart from that, all your claims of “loving God” are merely empty words.

God’s people are a supernatural kingdom under the direct authority of a sovereign Lord. It’s not up to us to choose where and for how long we will work. It’s the King of kings who decides our destiny and, to tell you the truth, I have more faith in His ability to promote me than in my own.

What I need to do in the tough situations is to stand my ground and let the Lord work His will through me. Faithfulness will bring God’s reward.

Question: How has God worked through you in the past?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on December 1, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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The Upward Road

11 Oct
The Upward Road

As we continue through the book of Philippians, Paul has been showing us his goals in ministry. That is, his desire to identify with Christ. But it’s not only a desire for the power, but in the fellowship of his suffering as well.

Now, he wants to make something very clear. He’s not perfect yet.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14 NIV

Paul tells us two things that hasn’t happened yet. He hasn’t taken hold of it yet. And, he hasn’t yet arrived at the goal. He has to keep moving forward just like the rest of us.

What is that goal? It’s obvious from this verse that Paul doesn’t know the complete picture yet. He’s still hearing the step by step instructions from the Lord.

Right now, Paul’s desire is to find out why God chose him. What is the final destiny that awaits him at the end of his journey? That’s the big question that we all wrestle with.

We have to serve God with this understanding. We will not know the full scope of our ministry until we get the final picture at the end of our earthly lives.

We serve a God who requires us to operate in faith. That means we trust God, not knowing where the road will lead us. The Holy Spirit guides us one step at a time.

That’s not the way I would choose to go. I like having my whole route mapped out before I start on a road trip. But, I’ve learned that it’s not my will which takes priority. God is the one in control. He sets the agenda.

So, it’s up to me to follow the Lord’s leading, even when it doesn’t make sense to me. Sometimes it’s a struggle to keep up. At times it’s inconvenient. That’s not the issue. It’s about who has the final say in my direction. So, I follow in His footsteps.

Paul makes it clear that we’re being called heavenward. That’s an upward call. It’s like climbing a mountain. You know it will be a great view at the top. So, even though it’s tiring, you keep going.

It’s not always easy to press on. Sometimes it’s an effort just to put one foot in front of the other. As a hiker, I’ve learned to just keep moving forward.

There have been times when I was hiking, when because of injury or pain, I’ve felt like giving up. It’s in times like those that I had to keep telling myself, “As long as you keep taking each step, you’ll come out to the end of the trail.”

It’s the same thing in life. It’s usually not the big things that knock us down, but the continual monotony of our daily lives, day after day, week after week. It’s the constant grind that saps our strength and weakens our spirit.

In order to overcome, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We know that if we keep to His course for our lives, we’ll come out with His result. We’ll lay hold of the prize for which He has called us.

Don’t give up. Go to the Lord today and ask for His strength for the road ahead. Don’t live a day without allowing His renewing Spirit to work in your life.

Question: How well are you persevering at this point in your walk with God?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 11, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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A Devoted Life

29 Sep
A Devoted Life

Sorry…the following post is out of order. It should have published last week, but I had a glitch in my processing. So here it is, now!

We’re going through Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. He’s been sharing his heart with them because of their faithful support of his ministry. He continues along these lines.

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:17-18 NIV

You have to understand that his reference to being a drink offering is not talking about martyrdom. That’s not what’s happening to him right now. It’s deeper than that.

Yes, the Greek word he uses in this verse means a libation – a drink offering. However, it’s also used to mean something that you devote your entire life to.

That’s where the “rubber meets the road” in our Christian walk. Sometimes it’s so easy for us to say, “Of course I would die for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” The problem is when it comes to the daily sacrifice of our lives.

It’s so much more difficult to die to ourselves each day. That’s what Paul is talking about in this passage. He has devoted his life to see the church doing these two things – sacrificing and serving.

Because of their faith in Christ, they’re willing to be a living sacrifice. They’re willing to lay everything down for the cause of Christ. But, more than that, the word, service, that Paul uses, means a public devotion to the Lord.

That’s what the apostle has devoted his life to. And it brings him great joy to see the effect that the Philippian church is having in their region.

In the same way, this church had devoted much of their resources to support Paul’s ministry. They need to pick up on that same attitude of joyfulness. They can see the affect Paul is having and rejoice in the part that they have played in the advancement of the Gospel.

The fact is that this type of devotion is contagious.

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

Philippians 2:19-24 NIV

Timothy was one of Paul’s spiritual sons. He traveled and labored with Paul. During that time, he picked up the same devotion to ministry. Timothy’s desire was the same as Paul’s.

Paul makes the issue very clear. It’s something that we need to wrestle with in our generation. Are we looking out for our own interests, or those of Jesus Christ? How you answer that question makes all the difference.

In my last post, I talked about what it means to live an empty, unfulfilled life. This is just the opposite. When you devote all that you are to the cause of Christ, you find the joy of living.

I know this sounds counter-intuitive. Giving up your agenda and desires for those of Christ is not what we naturally want to do. However, in life, the best things are the hardest of lay hold of. Laying down your life for the Lord truly is the best road.

Question: How deep is your devotion to Christ?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 29, 2023 in Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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An Example of Christian Service

25 Sep
An Example of Christian Service

We’re going to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Paul has been talking about his ministry. Now he gives them insight into a man named Epaphroditus.

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Philippians 2:25 NIV

First, let’s find out a little about who he is. We know that he came from the church at Philippi in order to bring a monetary donation to Paul’s ministry (Philippians 4:18). However, it’s obvious from Paul’s description, that they knew each other very well.

He uses three words of increasing intimacy. He starts by calling him a brother, sharing a common heritage. But, more than that, a fellow worker. They labor together in God’s work.

Then, there’s an even deeper bond. Paul calls him a fellow soldier. They’ve been on the front lines together. There’s a connection that’s forged in the fires of battle. It doesn’t matter whether the conflict is natural or spiritual. They have faced the same enemy together and came out victorious.

Then there’s a word Paul uses that I need to take some time to explain. He calls Epaphroditus their messenger. That’s an interesting translation. The actual word Paul uses is, apostle.

I believe this is because there are denominations that feel the office of Apostle ended with the early church. So, the translators didn’t want to offend some of their readers. The fact is, the Apostle Paul called Epaphroditus a fellow Apostle.

That causes me to believe that Epaphroditus was the pastor of the Philippian church. He had wanted to deliver the offering to Paul personally. But, while he was there, a problem arose.

For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Philippians 2:26-30 NIV

While he was with Paul, Epaphroditus became sick, and almost died. It’s very important that we see the heart of this man.

At some point, Paul sent a message to the Philippian church that they needed to be praying for his healing. We can see the true heart of a pastor and apostle when we see Epaphroditus’ response. He was greatly distressed – not because he was sick – but because his church found out and was burdened for him.

That’s what the Bible talks about, in putting others ahead of ourselves. He was more concerned about the church than he was of his own condition. Then, God’s healing power was manifest in his life.

This is why Paul exhorts the church to receive him back with joy and to honor people like him. He was willing to lay his life down for the cause of Christ. That’s the true heart of ministry.

He needs to be an example to us, especially to those of us in Christian leadership. It’s not about us. We are to lead God’s people knowing that we’re called to serve. We are to seek to be a blessing.

That’s what Jesus taught His disciples.

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:26-28 NIV

We need to follow in the footsteps of great men and women for God, like Epaphroditus.

Question: How do you personally fulfill the call to servant leadership?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 25, 2023 in Leadership, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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A Humble Lifestyle

08 Sep
A Humble Lifestyle

We’ve been discussing how we minister as the body of Christ. This is one of the themes of the book of Philippians. Now Paul brings us to the subject of humility. It’s an important part of our Christian life together.

I think sometimes we get so focused on who we are in Christ that we forget about who we were without Him. Don’t get me wrong. It’s imperative that we understand our “in Christ realities.” But who I am in Christ has nothing to do with my accomplishments and everything to do with what the Lord has done in me.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4

God wants us to walk humbly together. The problem is that many believers don’t understand the Scriptural concept of humility. We don’t like the sound of that word.

At one point children were running around the feet of Jesus. He reached down and picked one up.

And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:3-4

We need to learn from the humility of children. When they’re with an adult who shows them love and attention, children are transformed. That adult becomes their world.

They want to be like that adult. They want to act and talk like them. Children just want to hang around that kind of adult. They look up to them and have the attitude that “he or she is it!”

That’s what true humility is all about. It has nothing to do with considering yourself as dirt. Humility never puts itself down, but rather sees others as better. That makes a world of difference. Humility looks beyond its own interests.

When you’re truly walking in humility, you’re no longer the center of your own world. Now the needs and desires of other people become important to you. You want to find a way to uplift others.

In our walk with God, that translates to seeing God’s desires for us as greater than our own wants. I want to please Him first, before I please myself. I seek the Lord for who He is rather than what I can get from Him.

Instead of looking to Christ and saying, “I want this from You.” we need to be saying, “Lord, I want to be like you.” “Lord, I just want to hang around in Your presence. I want to pick up Your habits and attitudes.”

Whether it’s being humble towards God, or in the church, it means that I take my eyes off of myself. That’s what true ministry is all about. How do I view others around me.

Too often we want people to see how great we are. “Look at the wonderful things I’m doing for God.” We try to make an impression.

Then there are the others who think that it’s spiritual to always be putting themselves down. “I’m not mature enough. I don’t know the Bible well enough. God could never use me.” In reality, this is just another way to call attention to yourself.

I need to learn to exalt others. I must start to see the value God places on the people around me.

That’s what true humility is all about. It has nothing to do with putting myself down or trying to get others to believe that I’m a nobody.

A humble lifestyle means that I take my eyes off myself and focus on the Lord and those He has brought into my life.

Question: What needs to change in order to pursue humility?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 8, 2023 in Fellowship, Ministry, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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