I’ve been reading an interesting book entitled Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Brauns and I was struck by his insights on how our perspective on life can change when Christ is the focus of our attention. After a discussion of Matthew 18:1–4, the nature of human pride, and the need for humility, Braun points us the greatness of God:
The only way to grow in humility truly is to take our eyes off ourselves and meditate on the beauty and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Humility is a matter of perspective, of seeing ourselves in right relationship to God. When Isaiah looked at the holiness of God (Isaiah 6:3–5), he did not go in with a goal of becoming more humble. But that was certainly the outcome.
If you want to be humble, grow in your understanding of the majesty and greatness of God. Read a section of Scripture such as Isaiah 40 aloud. Read through it more than once. Reflect deeply on the vastness of our Lord. Savor these questions about the Person and work of God:
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. (Isaiah 40:12–15)
If we begin to get a glimpse of the vast glory of God, we will realize that many of our conflicts are like two ants arguing about which is taller while standing in front of Mount Everest. We quibble over some infinitesimal difference of opinion while the vastness of Almighty God soars into the heavens. We need to stop looking at one another relative to ourselves or, better yet, stop looking in the mirror. And we need to turn our eyes to the loveliness of Christ in his Word.
Questions: Who or what is the focus of your attention when you are struggling in life? In what ways do God’ attributes and promises found in of Isaiah 40 challenge and comfort you as you face difficult circumstances? As you read the Bible and ponder Jesus Christ what aspects of his person or work do you find most beautiful ? Comforting? Challenging? Humbling?
You can order Unpacking Forgiveness HERE, check the author’s blog HERE, and read reviews book reviews HERE and HERE.
