So far, I’ve mentioned the following foundational principles in CPM:
(1) “Foundations are forever” – that what is ‘poured into’ a community from the start will dictate how it functions and works
(2) “Nationals do it better” – that our objective as cross cultural workers is to train and give way to local believers to do the ministry.
(3) Community prayer – that prayer is the foundational principle in CPM 
as we consciously affirm that this is God’s work, not ours.
Perhaps a fourth one would be a humble spirit.
Really? In looking over the first three principles, I realized that one of the links that tied all of them together was a humble spirit. It takes a humble spirit to regularly put in question what he/she is laying as a foundation. It takes a humble spirit to ‘give way’ to others and allow them to take responsibility for the ministry. It takes a humble spirit to cry out to God that His will be done and that we would decrease while He increases.
There are no six steps towards greater humility. Up to this point, I have not found ‘humility’ in any of the assessment categories on an annual evaluation. Yet, we are called to demonstrate humility (James 4:6). Humility grows from allowing God to search our hearts and drive us back to Him; back to His love, forgiveness, and the honour He bestows on us. Humility also grows as we open ourselves to the ‘outside-in’ input of others. In other words, by living in close enough ‘community’ (virtually or in person) we allow others to speak into our lives.
Filed under: Accountability, Humility |
YES, YES, YES! Humility is the key to long term effectiveness. Why? Because pride is the barrier that keeps us from lasting fruitfulness.
When pride lays foundations, it exalts me and my agenda.
When pride ministers, it says, “I do it better.”
When pride prays, it tells God how to make me and my agenda prosper.
But God resists the proud, but looks for and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
it’s a long and winding journey of learning to ‘die to self’ in order to live for Him.