A Passion for Christ

In considering the issue of increasing our passion for Christ, we must look at Christ’s teaching on humility. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Jesus has just called out the Pharisees for their proud behavior (23:5-7). They know the Scriptures and can interpret the Word to the masses, but their own lives do not measure up.

If we are honest before God, even the most diligent among us would have to admit to related sins. For instance, man loves recognition. When Jesus chided the Pharisees, he was saying, “You crave the spotlight. You want the prominent seats at public meetings and love to be recognized on the streets.” They were proud and self-exalting, totally lacking in humility.

At its core, humility is total dependence on the Lord. The word “dependence” means “trust for all things, in all things.” Genuine trust does not stop at saying, “I’m weak,” but also declares, “He is strong.” And such dependent trust requires humility.

Jesus is our example of humility. The Lord who created all things and for whom all things were made was wholly dependent on his Father. He stated again and again, “I do nothing of Myself . . . for I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:28-29).

If you truly want a passion for Jesus, ask the Holy Spirit to go deep into your heart and convict you of any desire for self-exaltation. Jesus says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).