Let me, therefore, learn this lesson, that if my Lord should give me
prominence in His church it is not to feed my lust of dominion, but in
order to strengthen and extend the influence of the church's life.
"_Neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making
yourselves ensamples to the flock._"
The only truly imperial purple is the robe of humility. Any other sort of
attire may appear to be kingly, but it has none of the glorious
significance which belongs to our sovereign Lord. When a man puts on the
robe of pride, he immediately belittles his manhood. When a man puts on
the robe of humility, he becomes a greater man.
But humility is more than an imperial robe, it is a complete armour. It is
fine for defence! The devil cannot get at the man who is "clothed in
humility." There is no chink or crevice through which his deadly rapier
can pierce. And it is equally fine for offence! Wearing this armour we can
go out "redressing human wrongs." The stroke of pride is ever futile. When
the humble man deals a blow, the power of the Almighty is in his right
hand. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God."