READ: Philippians 2:1-12
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
To withdraw is to make a very basic mistake in your Christian life. Scripture enjoins us to fight to fellowship and meet together so that we can encourage one another. Withdrawing is a basic mistake because it takes away the root of fellowship. Fellowshipping and relating is basic to Christianity. We get stronger every time we meet together.
They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
Psalm 84:7
Some people take steps of withdrawal because of contention and quarrels. Each step you take in withdrawal is to move you from weakness to weakness. Withdrawal is the opposite of fellowship. That is why the devil’s first suggestion is that you withdraw from fellowship.
Living without contention and quarrels with other people is a sign that you have put on the cloak of humility. This is because the Bible says, “Only by pride cometh contention…” (Proverbs 13:10). To have the cloak of humility, you have to lower yourself and walk in meekness. Walking in forgiveness means you have put on the cloak of humility. Walking without arrogance and overconfidence is a sign that you have put on the cloak of humility.
It is time to put on the cloak of humility and walk in meekness and lowliness of mind, not esteeming yourself better than any other (Philippians 2:3). When you have the cloak of humility, you will do great things for God and become accepted by the Father. All traces of pride are traces of satan. All traces of pride are traces of demonic infestation. Satan is filled with pride, arrogance and rebellion. Any cloak that has threads and patterns of pride, arrogance or rebellion will not be compatible with God’s kingdom.