Christ-Occupied: Finding Boldness and Humility in His Presence

“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

1 Samuel 17:45

Let’s delve into this beautiful passage about Christ-occupation and how it transforms us from the inside out. It speaks to a profound truth about our relationship with Jesus: when we are truly focused on Him, our entire being is reshaped. It’s not about striving for humility or forcing ourselves to be bold. Instead, it’s a natural outflow of a heart saturated with His presence.

The passage begins by stating that Christ-occupation makes us bold but not superior, humble but not inferior. This is a crucial distinction. The world often confuses boldness with arrogance and humility with weakness. But true Christian boldness is rooted in our identity in Christ, not in our own abilities. It’s a confidence born of knowing we are loved and empowered by the Creator of the universe. This kind of boldness doesn’t puff us up; it draws us closer to God and others. Similarly, true Christian humility isn’t about self-deprecation or feeling worthless. It’s about recognizing our dependence on God and acknowledging that all our gifts and talents come from Him. When we are secure in Christ’s love, we are free to serve others without needing to prove ourselves.

The passage goes on to say, “When our minds are occupied with Jesus, we don’t have to try to be humble.” This is a key point. Humility isn’t something we can manufacture on our own. It’s a fruit of the Spirit, cultivated in us as we spend time with Jesus. Think about it: when you’re in the presence of someone truly great, someone you admire and respect, you naturally become more aware of your own limitations. It’s the same with Jesus. When we focus on His majesty, His holiness, and His boundless love, we can’t help but be humbled. It’s not a forced humility, but a genuine recognition of who He is and who we are in relation to Him.

The analogy of “hanging out with Jesus” is a powerful one. Just as we are influenced by the people we spend time with, so too are we transformed by our relationship with Jesus. “All that He is will rub off on you,” the passage says. This isn’t some magical transfer of qualities, but a gradual process of sanctification. As we immerse ourselves in His Word, as we pray and fellowship with Him, His character begins to shape our own. Our thoughts, our words, our actions – they all begin to reflect His love, His grace, and His humility. We begin to carry His “servant heart,” desiring to serve others as He did.

The passage also speaks to the melting away of inferiority and insecurities in His marvelous love. Many of us struggle with feelings of inadequacy, believing we’re not good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. But in Christ, we find our true worth. He doesn’t call us because of our abilities, but because of His grace. His love assures us that we are precious and valued in His sight. This security in Christ empowers us to overcome our insecurities and step out in faith, knowing that He is with us.

The passage then connects this security in Christ with the ability to serve others with genuine humility. It takes a deep sense of self-worth, grounded in God’s love, to truly bow down and serve others. When we are constantly trying to prove ourselves, we are too preoccupied with our own needs to genuinely care for others. But when we know that we are loved and accepted by God, we are free to put others first. Our service becomes an act of love, not a means of self-promotion.

The example of David and Goliath is a powerful illustration of this Christ-centered boldness. David, a young shepherd boy, faced a giant warrior who terrified the entire army of Israel. By all worldly standards, David was no match for Goliath. But David’s courage wasn’t based on his own strength or skill. It was rooted in his unwavering faith in God. He declared, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Sam. 17:45). David’s words reveal where his focus was: on the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel. He wasn’t relying on his own abilities, but on the power of God.

David’s boldness wasn’t youthful bravado or impudence, but a genuine dependence on God. It was a confidence born of knowing that God was on his side. This is the kind of boldness that Christ-occupation produces. It’s not a reckless, self-assured confidence, but a quiet, unwavering trust in God’s presence and power. When our minds are occupied with the Lord, we become “giant slayers,” able to face any challenge with courage and faith.

The passage concludes with a powerful call to action, quoting Psalm 18:29: “For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall.” These words express the kind of audacious faith that comes from a life lived in close communion with God. When we are truly occupied with Christ, we can face any obstacle, knowing that He is with us and that nothing is impossible with Him.

So, my friends, I encourage you to cultivate this Christ-occupation in your own lives. Spend time with Jesus. Immerse yourselves in His Word. Pray without ceasing. Fellowship with other believers. As you do, you will be transformed from the inside out. You will become bolder, yet more humble. You will find your security in His love. And you will be empowered to serve others with genuine humility.

Explore Moralisee.com for daily devotions that will help you deepen your relationship with Jesus and cultivate this life-changing Christ-occupation. Let the daily bread of God’s word nourish your soul and guide you on your journey of faith. Don’t just read the words; let them sink deep into your heart and transform your life.