Emptied but Full

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. - Luke 14:11

    This is a mystery that natural men do not understand, only those who have been touched first in regeneration by God (1 Cor. 2:7-14). In the natural world the way up is up, but in the spiritual world the way up is down. "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:11). In the natural world, to live is to live, but in the spiritual world the way to live is to die (Matt. 10:39). In the natural world men find satisfaction in their own strength, but Paul declared, "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10). The greatest thing God can do for a person (whatever the cost) is to show him in heart and soul the vanity of all things in this world (Eccles. 1:2, 14) and to turn his interest, affection, love and concern from the world to Christ (Matt 5:3-12). To be full is to be emptied of self, to be wise is to become a fool for Christ's sake, to be clothed is to be stripped, to receive is to give, to reign is to serve and to be rich is to become poor.