Devotionals

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Barclay, commenting on Phillipians 2:1-4, says that the aim of the Christian is "not self-displaly, but self-obliteration." He goes on to say that the Christian shines with a light, but not his own...it is "the light of God shining through him."

This reminds me of earlier statements of his to the effect that we must be more than merely good, in order to draw men to Christ. It is alright to know that the light of God is shining through me--to be aware that Christ is manifesting his presence in my life (it should prompt a thankful spirit in me). We don't have to put on a false humility, and actually dishoner him by intimating that his nature is not in us--that is, that he could not do his works in us. In that case, the humility would neither be godly nor spiritual, since we would be rejecting his holiness. (Of course, if we are not reflecting him, we should not lie--and it will be obvious to those with discernment anyway.)

No, humility does not mean that we can do no good, or that we can't reflect Christ. It means just that any goodness is indeed a reflection of him--that it is his glory shining in "cracked vessels" which gives praise to him. That is the thing that we must make sure of--that anything men perceive to be good in us becomes an offering deliberately returned by us to God. If we know that, truly and deeply know it, then it should be automatic to do so. By this we can check ourselves to know whether we have true humility, and if we rise above the level of mere human goodness.

But, if we indeed only rise to that point, we will be hindering his Spirit from doing the intended work--all that he has planned--in us, and through us. Then, men will not notice Christ, but only ourselves. Then, we will be on display, not Christ.

In order for men to see him, we must be obliterated (first in our own eyes). We must allow him full acces to our natures in order to change them into his own image. If we do not, the first thing that will happen is that we will come into conflict with others, rather than showing them Christ. As Barclay says, if a man is concerned "first and foremost with his own interests, then he is bound to collide with others." What stands in the way of self-obliteration? Barclay says it is selfish ambition, craving for prestige, and that which we want, above the interests of others.

We dare not be merely good, for then we will never be Christ-like indeed. There is too much of the flesh in every man. Not only that, but personal goodness is an affront to God. But, if we are settled upon God, and his interests, then we are at peace with our fellow man as well. A man who is at peace with his brothers gives elegant testimony to the peace he has with Christ, and that Christ may give any man.

Some in the world would claim this peace, but it is inevitably based upon "shrink wrapping" the mind, to fit within a philosophy (rather than something organic, growing from the inside out), and is always founded on personal goodness. When the philosophy fails--as they all do--both the goodness and the peace evaporate.

No, the only peace and goodness comes from the God who cannot fail. So, when all our ivory towers of pilosophy or religion or self-worth come crashing down, He remains as the Divine Comforter, who only can give lasting meaning and human worth, based upon what God, through Christ has paid for our redemption. And, this is the reason to obliterate our selves, because in him we are exhalted; and with him we will appear in glory. (Col. 3:3). Can we ask for more than this?

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