UNLEARN WHAT YOU'VE BEEN TAUGHT

No wonder Jesus is not a popular person with popular culture. His kingdom is based on teachings that rub against everything we've been taught from childhood.

For example, "look out for number one" v. humbling yourself

1. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other[s] better than yourselves...Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:3,5-8). [In laymen terms, He didn't think equality with God or His divinity, was something to be held on to]

2. John, the Baptist, testified of Jesus saying, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). [He knew when to take a step back and let others shine]

3. "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, 'verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:1-4). [In a world where children and youth are minimized and often despised, this one was as hard to follow two thousand year ago as it is today]

5. "When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden him; ... but when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room that he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:10,11). [As special as we think we are, there is always someone more special or honored]

6. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4:10). [We can truly let the Lord fight our battles for us and trust that He will have our best interest at heart. Sometimes we'll be vindicated in this world and sometimes not, but we don't have to go out there swinging and trying to "get ours." Look around you, there is nothing in this sinful world to get but pain, misery and loss.

There is nothing sweeter than when the Lord lifts you up.