when jesus was tempted

today's sermon was on pride.
humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less (and thinking of others more) - C.S. Lewis

when jesus was tempted, what he was tempted on was to use the power and authority to had to gain something. it suddenly dawned on me that - he could have. he could have turn the stone into bread, he could have conquered kingdoms, he could have showed the world how powerful he was. but he didnt. he chose the self-sacrificial love route. the route that displayed weakness in the eyes of the world. a fool, many would comment.

it just dawned on me again - how different this method is from some worldviews today. how very often we are told to fight for our rights, to protect ourselves, to show what we can do. that God has great plans for us, God will make us great, but in what way? To show our weakness, to display meekness, to choose not to display our power when we can. this was what we went through in our last mentoring sessions as well. at the end of the day, to know that we are fully satisfied in christ. we have nothing to lose, nothing to prove, nothing to hide. we truly do not stand to lose out. but we are afraid, i am afraid. many times i feel like i have to prove my worth, i have to show others what i can do. but no, that is not what Jesus taught or modelled.

we have nothing to prove...