Paul's estimate of himself

(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")

"I am nothing!" 2 Corinthians 12:11

This was Paul's estimate of himself: "less than the least of all saints," and "the chief of sinners."

The more we know of ourselves and of Jesus—
  the more shall we be humbled in the dust before Him;
  and the lower we lie before Him,
  and the happier and holier we shall be.

Sinful MAN will, MUST be something—this is both his pride and his misery.
The Christian is willing to be nothing—that Christ may be all in all.

If we daily felt that we are nothing—how many mortifications we would be spared; what admiring views of the grace of God would fill and sanctify our souls! 




Apart from Christ—we are less than nothing; but in Christ—we are something!

    We are empty—but He fills us!

    We are naked—but He clothes us!

    We are helpless—but He strengthens us!

    We are lost—but He finds us!

    We are ruined—but He saves us!

    We are poor—but He supplies us!

All that we are—is by Christ!

All that we have—is from Christ!

All that all we shall be—is through Christ!

Christian, you are nothing! Therefore beware of thinking too highly of yourself; or imagining that you deserve more than you receive—either from God or men.

Humble souls are soon satisfied.

   O could I lose myself in Thee,
   Your depth of mercy prove,
   O vast unfathomable sea
   Of unexhausted love!
   I loathe myself when God I see,
   Content if Christ exalted be!