The Way up is down

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: 2 Cor 5:17.

This new transformed person has his / her mind renewed by Christ. The new person thinks and acts like Christ. Jesus Christ embodies many attractive qualities but one of the most desirable characteristics which drew thousands of people to him during his time on this earth and has continued to inspire many world leaders to this day is his humility and meekness.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.

This verse continues to challenge my thinking and influence the way I lead my community and the kind of leader I want to be. I would like to share some key thoughts from the verse. When world leaders try to dazzle their followers by their intellect, talent or their achievements, Jesus Christ inspires us to take his yoke and serve people around us. To take the yoke of Christ means, seeing people through the eyes of Jesus, in all humility and gentleness, empathising with them, and walking with them in their time of need. When I embody the meekness, humility and gentleness from Jesus life, people see and experience more of Jesus in me.

Attributes celebrated in worldly leaders are forcefulness, arrogance, assertiveness, and taking pride in self. Being Christ like means, being humble and modest in our achievements. In the long run, a life based on humility and meekness will bring honour and recognition in your endeavours.  We see two people in the parable who are praying in the temple. The one a Pharisee, and the other a Tax man. The Pharisee filled with pride and arrogance lifts himself up and prays. But the Taxman who was an epitome of a sinner in those days humbles himself and prays. (Lk 18:9,11) God honoured the Taxman who humbled himself before Him.

It is this recognition that living a life of humility & meekness means keeping aside our needs for the sake of others that will bring true rest and peace in our lives. We are surrounded by people even Christians who do not find rest because of their incessant pursuit of self-advancement or to get to a bigger and better place in life. The self-help books and coaches advocate persistence in climbing the ladder, breaking the glass ceiling, getting on top of the heap, get to the peak etc.. This will lead to a life of restlessness, discontent and disenchantment.

Let us wear the mind of Christ and live the value of humility and meekness in our work and every walk of life.

-Blessing