Signal L17.12.96.htm

"FOR GOLD IS ASSAYED BY FIRE, AND THE LORD
PROVES MEN IN THE FURNACE OF HUMILIATION".
(Ecclesiasticus 2:5 NEB).

"My son, if you aspire to be a servant of the Lord,
prepare yourself for testing." (Ecclesiasticus 2:1 NEB).

Only those who are being saved for everlasting spirit life go through the various trials needed for one's spirit to learn humility through suffering. Humility is a necessary quality for the Lord's acceptance of us, in preparation for a resurrection to heavenly life. We are tested from time to time by these trials, that through the "furnace" of humiliation our spirits may be proven. So that all arrogance may be deadened within us, we are brought low that we may become lowly. (James 1:10,12. See also 1 Peter 4:12-16).

In the case of a stubborn spirit, one with an arrogant disposition, humiliations of greater number and intensity would be required by that spirit. Bearing this in mind, those who submit and learn by these various trials, benefit from exposure to spirit testing. The "furnace" of humiliation is allowed by our Lord regarding a man's shameful condition, and is intended to humble and save him from further sufferings, if he would but heed it. A willing heart and a clean conscience contribute toward one's salvation. Faith that is proven has endured various trials. (James 1:2 4).

In the literal sense, worthless dross that is found mixed with gold is refined out by the intense heat imposed upon it. Similarly, but in a spiritual sense, superfluous badness is mortified in one's spirit only by the imposition of the "furnace" of humiliation. This is the means by which one's spirit is proved by the Lord. We experience "burning" when we measure ourselves against the scriptural standard of righteousness and our shameful conduct is exposed within us, when our hearts and consciences are exercised under humiliation.

We would do well to consider the difference between when one feels slightly humiliated over one's sins, and when the Lord deems it necessary that we should suffer the corrective "furnace" of humiliation! This is of course a more severe measure.

Although the following are only definitions, the remedial effect of humiliation, and the exercise of humility through sufferings, can save an arrogant one.

HUMILIATE:	1. To make low or humble in position, condition, or feeling. 2. To subject to humiliation; to mortify.
HUMBLE:	Having a low estimate of oneself; not self-asserting or assuming; lowly; the opposite of proud; modest; unpretentious.
PROVE:	1. To make a trial of, try, test. To try the genuiness or qualities of; to test. 2. To find out, learn, or know by experience; to experience, suffer.
MORTIFY:	To destroy the vitality, vigour, or activity of; to neutralize; to deaden; to dull.

17/12/96.