2 Words in 1

Vainglory
HE sees each Sparrow fall….

 

Vainglory

Perhaps, we might start out well if we go back and cite this one particular scripture that was written by one of the Apostles. It says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than themselves” Philippians 2:3.

Just what might the definition of this word, actually be? It is: unwarranted pride in one’s accomplishments or qualities; to be vain or an ostentatious display.

Someone might ask, why are we talking about this? Why does it matter? Is it indicative of our day?

Let’s search this out further by asking another question; what is, “lowliness of mind”? It’s a term that we no longer hear; many don’t even know what that means. But here is the test of whether this topic is important in this hour. It’s the last part of the verse. “let each esteem others, better than themselves.” Cut to the point; being very humble, and preferring others over yourself. Full stop. True reality is, that vainglory, is parading across so many platforms or stages, in what many are calling, the church. It’s never been so rampant; not so in our time before now. Another truth is, it’s really been around, for quite a long number of years; but now, in epic proportions.

The word “vain,” has been around a long time. It simply means, that there is an exaggerated sense of self-importance, it means proud and arrogant, cocky and conceited, an inflated ego, and another old school word we used to use; puffed-up. The end result, has to do with the last part of this word; glory. Wanting glory for yourself; and taking glory from something or someone, that does not belong to you. Trying to glory, in God’s presence. Is it true, that this condition, has grown steadily over the years. It even now entails, taking credit, for things you’ve neither earned, or deserve. It comes with a touch of flamboyancy that shouts, “Look at me. Aren’t I wonderful.”

Esteeming others, more than yourself…. Funny that an apostle, would write that to a church. Seems to me, either he had heard or he had seen that somebody, was strutting their own stuff. Or maybe, he hoped to address it, before it became a problem; people then, weren’t much different, than people are now or have been. What pulls at my heart, is that it’s likely that he was explaining to us, how people with the Spirit, really do act.

I want to say this as meekly as possible; just for the sake of hinting that I might know a little bit about this topic. Only because God gifted me even as a young boy. I spent many years, on the platforms of some of the best churches, conferences and camp meetings, in the country. I saw it begin to change.

Humility, never changes. It wears the same coat, it always wore. Many of us who played instruments and sang in the house of the Lord, would have been sat down, for doing what we see these days. And we would have sat there, until we repented and learned how to humble ourselves before the Lord, and before God’s people. It would not have mattered, if we were the very best or the most talented. Vainglory, did not belong, on the platform. A fresh talking, proud and conceited minister, would not have been up there either.

The Holy Ghost does not need the best, to operate. He desires a vessel, who will yield to Him; someone, who understands, lowliness of mind.

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HE sees each Sparrow fall….

While siting on the patio this afternoon, a most unusual bird came strolling by the rampart. He paused, just in front of me; looking from side to side. Mostly, he watches the water for very small minnows; then, dashes down to scoop it up. There are no web feet; he cannot swim. I observed as he raised his head to test the wind as he even sniffed the rainy mist; always alert for unseen dangers. I realized, that this unique creature, could breathe; that he had a tiny heart that was beating.

It reminded me of the scripture where Jesus talked about the sparrows; how not one falls, that our heavenly Father, does not see it. As I was also referencing these verses, I read again, how the very hairs of our head are numbered. With so many common birds such as sparrows, it is amazing to know that God, sees every one. How comforting to know, that Jesus said, we are even much more important to God; than even these. I forget that so many times; I forget, that God sees every thing that is going on in my life, and yours. He doesn’t miss a thing. He knows our successes, and He knows all about our failures; He sees the good in us, and He sees the bad.

It occurred to me, that God saw, every person that failed; everyone who somehow, slipped and fell. Not one of these people were left unseen. Even as I write, I ask myself, how does Jesus know where to find all of those lost lambs; those who have gone astray. The answer is simply resounding. He saw them when they wandered off, or were driven off and He saw them when they fell into danger and even self-destruction. One serious problem with some of us who got lost somewhere along the way, is that we never really knew, just how much God loved us. How great, that love really was.

Just recently, I was watching a nature program about some sheep in this particular country. A little one, somehow wandered off, away from the rest of the group. It had begun snowing heavily. When the lamb realized that it couldn’t find the others, it began to cry sadly; to no avail. The wind was even howling and suddenly, the ewe sensed that her little one, was not with them. She began to call it; to no avail. She attempted to backtrack and called even louder. The snow began to drift deeply, and the lamb was very soon, not able to climb over the obstacles in its way. The narrator stated, that in a very short time, the lost one would freeze to death, without shelter.

In what seemed a last ditch try, this little one heard, his mother’s voice. He was able to get to her, because she never gave up calling for him. I did not know, Jesus was like that. Oh, I had heard all of the stories as I grew up, but it’s another thing, when it is enacted in your own life.

Every person that ever failed or got lost, was not unseen by our Father; not by His only Son, Jesus Christ. This story of the shepherd searching for even one lost sheep, is not a fairy tale; it’s a true life story. To all the sparrows that have fallen to the ground, and can no longer fly, there is a message in the air. You, have not been forgotten. Just start calling out His name; He’s standing, close by.

 

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Robert Blackburn