Stay Humble

 The wise shall inherit glory (all honor and good) but shame is the highest rank conferred on [self-confident] fools. (Proverbs 3:35)

Our last Bible study discussed service in the Army of the Lord. We focused on the word rank in Proverbs 3:35 and the ways God has for promotion in his army. We also saw a different army–The Army of Fools! In the Army of Fools, there is Shame. (Physically and Spiritually) 

I have studied war history, and when the United States won the war against Japan, there were some exciting analogies–

1- The Japanese High Command faced the United States High Command of the Armed Forces to surrender and sign treaties formally.

2-Gen McArthur ordered all the Military Officers of the Japanese Armed Forces to turn in their swords. This event symbolized the Old Order’s surrender into a New Democratic and peaceful society. 

3- Japanese soldiers had a lot of pride in their Military. Their motto was death before dishonor. So we can see why surrending the sword resulted in a blow to their pride and resulted in Shame, fulfilling the words of Proverbs 3:35….. Shame is the highest rank conferred on (Self-confident) fools (The turning in of the sword by Japanese Soldiers).

4-Further humilliation fell on the Japanese Army when their Emperor “God” Hirohito and the Shinto religion was exposed to be a false teology. This caused a hunger for God in the Japanese population, but unfortunately, the church did not take advantage of this opportunity,

Take Heed.

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (I Cor 10:12)

In the midst of Spiritual victories in Christ, it is easy to forget where you came from. In talking about Rank, I want to relate a true story of my time in the US Navy. I used to work with a Helicopter Squadron and we were working with a Chief Petty Officer. (E-7) Now, if you had been in the Navy, you would know that Chief Petty Officers were stereotyped as one who drank lots of coffee and did much paperwork.

They would sit behind a desk and bark out orders to the lower enlisted personnel, avoiding the physical work with the Helicopters. This Chief that worked with us was different. If he found someone having difficulties a Helicopter, he would take off his shirt, go the hanger deck, get dirty and help out. His superior Officers would scold him because his place was behind a desk.

The Lord Jesus did the same thing. God saw that man was having difficulties living by the law, so he put in a human body (Heb 10:5), and came down to earth to help man obtain salvation. He did not have to do it, but he did it anyway, The principle to learn here is that in the midst of blessings, forget not the soul that is lost and without hope. Forget not the carnal Christian who is frustrated and in need of help.

Never forget where you came from. Take some time to offer a hand and learn to identify with your fellow man. Take time to stand in the gap, pray and be alert to what God would have you to do. In the army of the Lord, our fellow soldiers are depending on you. God bless.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your word. Help me to be a faithful soldier. In the midst of blessings, keep me from looking down on a lost soul or fellow soldier who may be in need. Keep me from being puffed up and help me to walk in humility, In Jesus name. Amen