Men are sick. The disease of haughtiness is inside them. Satan’s sin is the motive of their thoughts. Not only the brothers John and James failed in their discipleship exam, but also all the disciples, for they all flared up and became angry with the sons of Zebedee. They were all haughty. They heard Jesus’ teaching and agreed to it, but they did not understand it, for his words had not yet been embodied in them. Before the cross and the dwelling of the Holy Spirit, they were all ordinary people filled with crookedness and selfishness.
However, Jesus was merciful to them. He taught them once and again the principles of the Holy Trinity with the humility of the Son of God, the submission of him who was born of the Spirit to his Father, and his self-denial. Jesus himself lived in this manner. He glorified his Father at all times, trusted him completely, obeyed him willfully, and magnified him greatly. The Father, on his part, gave him all authority in heaven and on earth, seated him at his right hand, and made him the express image of his person. Such is the work of the Holy Spirit who does not glorify himself, but glorifies the Living, Coming One who was crucified, though the Son of God let to him the realization of salvation and the establishment of the church. What a great mystery! Our God is humble, meek, loving, and kind.
This kind of spirit is completely contrary to the spirit of the world, for the rulers of the world govern with weapons and violence, and dominate their people. They themselves disobey the authority, for each one of them seeks pride, money, and honor despising the others.
Jesus prevented his followers and the church from cooperating with the spirit of this world. He guided them to the thought of service, teaching them that the faithful servant, or worker, is greater than the relaxed, lazy masters; and that the bishop and priests are not better than the praying mother, and the faithful child. The Holy Spirit makes us all of one kind. The love of Jesus bends our big heads, and makes of us servants to others. Those who are born of the Spirit do not want to rise in rank, or seek prominence in companies and meetings. The Holy Spirit prompts them to serve the blind, the drunkards, and those who are going astray and are despised that they may be released from the bonds of their sin.
Are you a servant or a master? Did you become broken before God’s greatness, and did you your insufficiency in the example of Christ, or are you still proud in yourself? Jesus left a good example for us. He who follows him follows his example. He did not come to be served, but to serve. Our God is a servant. Keep this statement, for it shows you what Jesus wants to do of you.
Jesus paid his life and his blood a ransom that we might be released from the slavery of pride. All those who hear his merciful voice, and believe in the power of his atonement become free from the bonds of egoism, and receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit. They become completely changed into a good example in love and patience, praying for the others. Christ’s redemption makes us redeemers in love, giving our life to save the others. Did you offer a sacrifice with joy and thankfulness?