Friends, isn’t it inspiring and convicting that we too could use our gifts like Timothy and Epaphroditus, sacrificially and humbly? That is precisely what Paul wants us to do. He wants us to honour God by boldly and courageously risking our, time, energy and maybe even our lives in order to serve the needs of others.
The phrase “fear and trembling” speaks to the reverence and respect we should have for God’s commands. It does not imply that we should panic, but rather it calls us to approach our salvation with humble hearts and devoted minds. As Jesus stated, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
All too often we decide to take on other people’s character traits, believing we must fit into a certain mold to be accepted. Yet, try as hard as we might, we were uniquely designed for greatness because truthfully, like the makeup of the snowfall we see, it is impossible for two (or more) snowflakes to be completely alike. So, it begs the questions, why do we still place such high expectations on ourselves by emulating others instead of embracing our individual strengths?
All too often we decide to take on other people’s character traits, believing we must fit into a certain mold to be accepted. Yet, try as hard as we might, we were uniquely designed for greatness because truthfully, like the makeup of the snowfall we see, it is impossible for two (or more) snowflakes to be completely alike. So, it begs the questions, why do we still place such high expectations on ourselves by emulating others instead of embracing our individual strengths?
Have you ever thought of humility as lowliness of mind?? You see, true humility is not a weakened state as the world today would have us believe. No, humility is not thinking less of yourself; its thinking of yourself less.
Have you ever thought of humility as lowliness of mind?? You see, true humility is not a weakened state as the world today would have us believe. No, humility is not thinking less of yourself; its thinking of yourself less.
