A Beautiful, Lowly Place

Based on Ephesians 3-4

In this world, the enticing & exciting question to ask is...what's next? What level can I achieve next in my education, or my career? How can I improve what I have? While it's great to have these goals, it's important to remember that there is true growth in humility. In staying humble, God can use us for far greater things. It's not in our own ability. It's not about a title, status or position. The better question to ask is...am I fulfilling God's plan for my life?

"To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:"
Ephesians 3:10‭-‬11

We can build as high of a "tower of achievement" (like the tower of Babel) that we want in this life, but if we are not building that relationship with Jesus, it has no eternal value or eternal purpose! Again, what Jesus has in store is far greater! It is more beautiful to be in a lowly place with God than a giant palace without Him.

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2‭-‬3

God cannot use someone who is not willing to be humble or broken. But look how beautiful this lowly place is! "Forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Love. Unity. Peace. These are much needed qualities we need to see in our world today. Now, because of pride & vanity, there is a whole lot of competition for status & most people have forgotten about God...all because of an unwillingness to go to that beautiful, lowly place like Jesus did for us...

"(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)"
Ephesians 4:9‭-‬10

Jesus descended first! He not only came down from His glory to earth, but even into hell in the lower parts of the earth to defeat death, hell & the grave! To give us eternal life, God Himself went to the lowest of the low...let's think of that next time we are frustrated with our season of life!

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" Ephesians 4:11‭-‬13

God has a special job in mind for all of us. It is up to Him to raise us up to that position & calling. We need to be humble, in that beautiful lowly place, exalting God above ourselves, and we will be able to do those far greater things. Even if we do not have a specific title...

Sacrifice is true love, not status!