Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One - " O THE DEPTH OF GOD'S RICHES AND WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE!"

One way to cultivate humility is to ponder over the greatest of Jehovah in comparison to us. Actually, "there is no searching out of his understanding." (Isaiah 40:28)  Commenting on  certain aspects of Jehovah's magnificence, the apostle Paul wrote:  "O the depths of God's riches and wisdom and knowledge!  How unsearchable  his judgments are and past tracing out his ways are!"  (Romans 11:33) Although mankind's knowledge of many things has increased greatly since Paul wrote those words some 2.000 years ago, that statement still holds true. No matter how much we know, it should humble us to realize that there is no limit to what can be learned about Jehovah, his works, and his ways.

Appreciating that is beyond ability to research out God's ways helped Leo to view himself as a lesser one. As a young man, Leo was fascinated  by science. Desiring to understand as much as possible about the  physical universe, he studied astophysics and came to an important conclusion. He says: "Based on my studies, I came to realize that current specific theories alone are not likely to enable mankind to understand the universe completely. So I switched to studying law."  In time, I Leo became a district attorney and later a court judge. Eventually, he and his wife studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, embraced the truth, and became dedicated servants of God.  Despite his background, what has helped Leo to conduct himself as a lesser one? Unhesitatingly, he answers,  "it is the realization that no matter how much we learn about Jehovah and the universe, there is still much more to discover.'

Another factor that helps us to be humble is that Jehovah himself displays humility.  Consider this: "We are God's fellow workers."   (1 Corinthians 3:9) Imagine that!  Jehovah, the God of unmatched greatness, dignifies us in this way b y giving us the opportunity to carry out our ministry using his Word, the Bible. Although Jehovah is the one who makes the seeds that we plant and water grow he bestows upon us an honorable position of working with him.  (1 Corinthians 3:6, 7)  Is that not an astonishing example of humility on God's part? Surely Jehovah's example of humility should be of great encouragement to each of us to behave as a lesser one.

God's example of humility had a tremendous effect on the psalmist David. He sang to Jehovah: "You will give me your shield of salvation, and it is your humility that makes me great." (2 Samuel 22:36)  David attributed any greatness he had in Israel  to Jehovah's humility-to God's condescending, or humbling himself, to pay attention to him.  (Psalm 113:5-7)  Is it any different with us?  In the way of qualities, abilities, and  privileges, what do any of us have that we "did not receive" from Jehovah? (1 Corinthians 4:7) The person who conducts himself a lesser one is "great" in that he becomes more valuable as a servant of Jehovah.  (Luke 9:48) Let us reflect on how this is son. 

Next time: Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One - 'A LESSER ONE AMONG YOU IS GREAT'

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