The older I’ve grown the more I’ve realized that I need to become like a child to mature. All of us have been asked the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”Well, I want to grow down.
The key to growing as a Christian is humility. That’s what growing down is, humility. If we want to grow up, we need to grow smaller in our own eyes first.
Humility leaves room for growth.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’ -Matthew 18:1-4 (ESV)
There was a reason Jesus said we have to become like children to enter His kingdom. Children tend to be very different from adults. Sure they are less mature, and know less about the world, but they are also humbler.
God wants humble hearts to work with. Like soft clay, a humble heart is easily molded into the image of Christ. When we are humble He can use us.
Humility loves selflessly.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. -Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
When we grow down, love becomes our heartbeat. We love God with everything we are, and then God’s love flows out of us onto everyone around.
Humility and love go hand in hand. Humility puts others needs above one’s own. Love is not selfish, or impatient. Jesus embodied both humility and love, and He calls us to do the same.
Humility is the opposite of pride.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. -Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)
Humility is key to following Christ. We can’t truly follow Him in pride. When we walk in pride, we take the focus off of Jesus and put it on us.
For everything Jesus did for me, I want Him to get the glory, not me. I’m not worthy. He is. I want everyone to know that.
What could God do through me when I grow down? How many people could He touch through me? How many people would be saved?
I don’t know, but I want to find out! I don’t want to be so stuck on myself that I miss the opportunities God has put right in front of me. I want to grow down, so He can be known.
What about you? Are you willing to lay down your pride to see what God wants to do through you? Are you ready to grow down?