To overcome oneself

Overcoming others proves that you are mighty. Overcoming yourself proves that you are strong.
「勝人者有力，自勝者強；」【道德經三十三章】
This piece of Chinese wisdom was amply demonstrated by Jesus when he was crucified on the cross. For Jesus, crucifixion was the last temptation. After his baptism, he spent 40 days in the wilderness to go through temptations from the Devil. Each time, the Devil questioned Jesus' identity as the Son of God. Each time, Jesus overcame himself and refused to demonstrate his might as the Son of God (Luke 4:1-13). These temptations kept on popping up throughout his public ministry until the last temptation, the crucifixion.

During crucifixion, rulers scoffed at him, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" (23:35); soldiers mocked him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" (23:37); one of the crucified criminals railed at him, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (23:39). These were all too familiar for Jesus. He needed to overcome himself one last time in order to accomplish God's will. He declined to demonstrate his identity as the Christ, the Son of God.

The other crucified criminal turned to Jesus to acknowledge the kingship of Jesus.
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (23:42)
This thief was rewarded Paradise (23:43).
When we are successful, we do not have the motivation to acknowledge the sovereignty of Christ. Yet, when our efforts are a total failure, our project a disaster, we often forget to acknowledge the sovereignty of Christ too. In despair, we might even lose our hope and commit suicide. We do not even have a chance to turn to Jesus. So, when shall we acknowledge Christ like the other crucified thief? I think the secret lies in overcoming oneself.

When we are successful, we need to overcome our pride to acknowledge God's grace in making us successful. In failures, we need to overcome our frustrations and even despair to see God's grace in removing our arrogance, God's given opportunity to strengthen our weaknesses so that we may do better next time. In overcoming ourselves, we allow God's hand in guiding our feet in the way of peace (1:79). In overcoming ourselves, we grow strong 自勝者強.

David was wise in his way of becoming the king of Israel. He refrained from killing Saul, God's anointed one even though David himself was also an anointed one. He was anointed king of Judah in Hebron. For seven years, he allowed the in-fightings within the Saul's family to annihilate itself until nobody from the Saul's clan was able to rise up to challenge him. After seven years, the elders of Israel came and anointed David king over Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). David overcame himself and was made king over Israel. Jesus overcame himself and was made the Universal King over humanity.

I discover that I felt upset inside when my efforts and talents were not acknowledged these days. Here is my homework. Overcome myself. Overcome my lack of confidence. Keep in mind that I am only an unworthy servant doing what I have been commanded (Luke 17:10).

Dear Lord, help your unworthy servant to overcome himself. Amen.