[Songs in the Night - October 5]
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
WHETHER born with too much or with too little
self-esteem, those who come into God's family are put
into the school of Christ to be taught, corrected—made
right, in harmony with divine standards.
Those
naturally self-conceited must learn meekness—by instructions
if they will—otherwise by experiences.
And
they should learn to rejoice even in humiliating experiences.
They are evidences that God's providence
is supervising their affairs and preparing them for the
kingdom; for without meekness and humility none will
be fit for it.
As the self-conceited must learn humbly
to trust God and not rely on themselves and thus secure
balance, so the naturally self-depreciative must
learn a lesson of confidence.
Not self-confidence, not
self-reliance is the most desirable, but rather, confidence
in God and reliance upon his promised "grace
to help in every time of need."
This maintains the desirable
humility and meekness, yet gives the courage
and force suggested by the apostle's words: "I can do
all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
As
Paul again declares, "Our sufficiency is of God"! Z'12-319 R5113:3 (Hymn 93)