The Ultimate Trailblazer

If you and I desire a humble place of honor, we must understand the ultimate trailblazer – Jesus Christ. Trailblazers leave maps with a set of instructions to guide those that follow in their footsteps. So, it is with Jesus Christ.

Before Christ accepted his father’s assignment Jesus did this: "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." (Philippians 2: 7) This is the first qualification for a spiritual trailblazer. Did you get it? You and I must lay aside our pride of life and accomplishments and become a servant to the Most High.

Not only was Christ a servant, but Jesus also did this: "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled, became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2: 8) Humility demands obedience to our authority figure. Only God the Father has the master plan for Christ’s life and anyone’s life. Even thou Jesus Christ still retained his power, he did this: "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge; and my judgement is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which has sent me." (John 5: 30) When you and I serve the Lord in our fleshly power, we insult the Most High God. Humility waits for orders and responses in the power of the Holy Spirit.

A humble trailblazer practices this mind set: "If any men (women) desires to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant to all." (Matthew 27: 64) Jesus always placed others before himself - especially his Father’s wishes.

If there is one thing that Christ demonstrates about humility, it was this: training others for service. None has or ever will have a ministry like Jesus Christ. With only twelve spiritually dense disciples and no writing agent, publisher, television or radio show, the world somehow hears about the continuing work of Jesus Christ. Even thou his earthly ministry was limited to several years, the message about redemption lives on in the lives of future disciples. Humility trusts God and instills in others the ability to forward a heavenly kingdom. Never at anytime did Christ over ride His Fathers orders.

A test for an ultimate trailblazing assignment involves the ability to turn over a fruitful ministry into the hands of another. If the Holy Spirit gave that command, could you turn over the ministry you lead to someone else. Jesus did! Christ primary purpose on earth was training his future spiritual trailblazers for the cross and a ministry of redemption.

In closing, I feel pressed in my spirit to mention that God waits and longs to send more trailblazers into uncharted areas in the worldly darkness. Where are the instructors with lessons on servanthood, on obedience, and endurance? Where are the spiritual trailblazers with flaming swords of righteousness? Christ endured many hardships so that you and I find the straight path into the presence of a Holy God.

Hidden Agenda

After thirty-three years of wedded bliss, the light dawns on a new day of enlightenment. Apparently, with my marriage contract, I inherited a highly favored position. It didn’t come with a new car or a fancy business card. There was no power lunches, no business suits, or conference calls. It came without all the perks of a Wall Street financial wizard. The hidden agenda and fine print to this highly favored working contract encompassed every area of my new relationship with my husband. Our future happiness depended on my understanding and accepting this responsible position.

After twenty years of frustration, bitterness, and unfulfilled expectations, the weight of this hidden agenda crashed down upon my wedded bliss. My ignorance of this responsible position clouded my vision of marital happiness. Ignorance isn’t bliss in any relationship. Peace on earth and good will to all men and women requires an understanding of your mates hidden agendas and lofty expectations.

When you and I enter into any relationship without stating our expectations of another, your mate suffers from their unfulfilled desires. Ignorance caused many an argument or sleepless night. Many a harsh word damaged the romantic moments. How do you and I enlighten our mates to their hidden agenda?

Try humor! Even though it took many years for me to laugh about my blunders I understand that if anything goes wrong in this household, "I’m responsible." We laugh about it now. But there were many years of anger, hurt, and sleepless night. His hidden agenda eroded my contentment and fractured my future happiness.

Try organization! My husband couldn’t fine his tools if his life depended upon it. He tries. But organization is not one of his best attributes. He loses bills, tools, clothing and just about everything. With our future happiness in mind, I return all tools to their proper spaces. All manuals and important bills are filed neatly away in my office desk. Sooner or later, in the middle of making dinner, I hear this, "Honey, where is my …….?" With the smoke detector screeching and a cat clawing my pant leg, I dash down the stairs to retrieve the item in question. There is never a dull moment in our household. With his short-term memory loss each question needs an answer that very moment. My husband’s mind operates differently than mine. At that very moment my responsibility is dinner not fetching a tool – not according to my mate. The head on collision with our hidden agendas clashes with our future happiness.

Try acceptance. Short-term memory loss is difficult for anyone. I can’t change my mate. Only Jesus Christ can enhance another’s memory. Love is more than a warm feeling. Sustaining the peaceful relationship in any marriage requires that you and I uncloak our hidden agendas and lofty expectations. Grace and love clouds the shortcomings of others.

Only the love of God living in our hearts overflows into the frustrating moments.