Key Church Principle #23: HUMILITY

Key Church Principle: HUMILITY

Acts Chapter 14:7-28

          Have you ever thought you could never serve God because of your own limitations and failures? After seeing the miracle of healing a lame man, the people began to call Paul and Barnabas gods!

          In the midst of an almost laughable situation in Lystra, Paul says something verse profound and serious in verse 15. “We are men with the same nature as you.” Isn’t it reassuring that Paul and Barnabas were human beings just like us, with the same sinful nature? It doesn’t take long to see that Peter, Paul, even kind-hearted Barnabas have feet of clay.

     If you could meet them, they probably wouldn’t impress you that much and Paul even admits that is what people said about him. In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul wrote: “For some say, ‘Don’t worry about Paul. His letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are really bad!’”

     The person God uses is the person who uses God through his or her own short-fallings. Don’t be discouraged, even if you are the source of divisions and you find yourself being a bad example. Seek God’s forgiveness and realize that “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). 

     Use this passage to also remind yourself that no matter how greatly God uses you, be sure to give all glory back to Him. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to lead someone to salvation, don’t catch yourself saying or thinking, “I saved someone.”

     God is the One who saves and merely uses you as His instrument. It is better to say “God saved someone through me.” If someone says you did a great job on teaching or singing or ministry, don’t let it go to your head! Praise God that He used you!

     The Bible says Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10), but also the opposite of that is true. Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) Just as Jesus was hailed as coming in the name of the Lord less than a week before He was crucified, so Paul was hailed as god, shortly before he was nearly stoned to death.

     Last note: Read verses 22-27. It may be God’s will that you will be used by Him in strengthening the faith of those who are already believers. That too is a ministry and should not be undervalued!