The Q to HQ

Introduction

Has this happened to you before? You go to the counter and you see two queues. One longer, another shorter. Which queue to line up in? Obviously the shorter one, right? I want to be faster, to be first. Then the longer queue happens to be the faster one. What’s obvious may not always be right. In desiring to be first, you may end up last. Let’s talk about another type of Q. In business coaching and training, the present focus is on different Qs that contribute to managerial and executive success: IQ, EQ, SQ, TQ, MQ, PQ, LQ, even AQ.

•       IQ = Intelligence Quotient
•       EQ = Emotional Quotient
•       SQ = Social Quotient
•       TQ = Technical/Operational Quotient
•       DQ = Digital Quotient
•       MQ = Motivational Quotient
•       XQ = eXperience Quotient
•       LQ = Learning Agility Quotient
•       PQ = People Quotient
•       AQ = Adversity Quotient

If you have high scores in these Quotients, you will do well. You have a higher chance of making it to HQ, to hang out with the big guys at the top.

What about the kingdom? Which Q is the right Q to HQ? Kingdom HQ? There is no point lining up in the wrong queue, or aligning with the wrong Q. If God is in Kingdom HQ, what then is the right way to God’s throne, heart, presence?

 The Christian answer is “JESUS is the Way!” Just believe! Yet, it is not just believing in the way, but also living the way. Jesus is the Way. But what is the way of Jesus?

It is the way of humility. The right Q to HQ is HQ – Humility Quotient. You can score high on all the other Qs, but HQ is what matters most to the Lord. Our HQ is that which sets us on the right track to Kingdom HQ.

“Our HQ gets the attention of Kingdom HQ.”

What’s Your Humility Quotient?

1. Matthew 19:13-15: What is this passage about?
This passage is not about the salvation of children, infant baptism or blessing children. The placement of passage provides context for interpretation. It is right after teaching about Marriage & Divorce (Matthew 19:1-12), with a focus on children, the product of marriage and victims of divorce. It is right before the narrative about a rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-30). Jesus commented about how “it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:23) and about how to “inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). Contrasted against “of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14), this seems to be Matthew’s intention. It’s about entering the kingdom and receiving everything the kingdom has to offer.

2. Humility Quotient: The Right Q to Kingdom HQ
The way to enter the kingdom is to “be converted and become like little children. Did we not enter the kingdom when we put our faith in Jesus? Yes, we did, but entering the kingdom, like salvation, is not just a point but also a process. We start with humility, continue with humility and finish with humility. It is no point talking about greatness if you’re not even going to make it to finally enter the kingdom. That’s where true greatness is (not in this world). Jesus makes it even clearer. It is not just entering; but everything about the kingdom belongs “to such as these”  – little children, those who are humble and lowly. The kingdom of God belongs to the humble. Yes, belongs! It’s theirs. For theirs in the kingdom of heaven! 

Jesus already mentioned it way back in Matthew 5, in His introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. The beatitudes (kingdom ways) start and end with the same phrase: 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:10

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward (greatness?!?!) in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3–12

Humility is expressed through … to be poor in spirit, to be mournful, to be meek, to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, to be merciful, to be pure in heart (sincere, truthful), to be peacemakers. All the above may get you persecuted or taken advantage of! The way up is down – lowliness. Great is your reward! What is kingdom greatness? The kingdom belongs to those who are humble, like little children. The right Q to Kingdom HQ is our HQ – Humility Quotient. How high we go depends on how low we go for the sake of Jesus. 

3. Three Aspects of Humility
An Accurate View of Ourselves (in relation to God)

Who we were and who we are. It is easy to be humble regarding our past before salvation. What about after salvation? It is easy to be humble before we receive our assignment. What about during our assignment? Or when we are successful in ministry? Knowing who we are in Christ is important.  BUT note the difference between confidence/boldness and pride/presumption, a very fine line that is easily crossed if we are not careful. It is not false humility, but true humility when viewed in relation to God. If we want to compare, compare ourselves with God. Comparing with others only results in pride or self-condemnation (wrong type of humility). Paul was very secure with identity in Christ. Yet, his HQ was very high. He calls himself the “least of the apostles”: 1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. He says he is “less than the least of the saints”: Ephesians 3:8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and that he is the “chief sinner”: 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

Seeing ourselves against God results in at least TWO key traits important to develop HQ. These keep our humility in check. One, fear of the Lord (Awe & Reverence) – mentioned with humility. It keeps us in check and in the right place before God.

By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility. Proverbs 15:33 

Two, gratitude & thanksgiving.  Everything is by the Lord’s grace. There is simply no place for pride or boasting in self at all.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10

Submission & Obedience on God (like obedient children)

Humility is placing oneself UNDER God’s instruction and agenda. To submit (hupotasso) is to place UNDER. To obey (hupokouo) is to be UNDER (again!) + HEAR, literally listening and responding to higher command. There is a need to be low, to go under: “True humility acknowledges God’s wisdom and directives as far above our own and chooses to obey even when we don’t understand.” John Bevere

Pride and self-sufficiency refuses to obey. It desires my own will and agenda; only when it suits me or when I can understand or see the outcomes. God serves my purposes instead. In carrying out assignments, works are to be done in the meekness or humility of wisdom.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NIV

Wisdom from above is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17) as opposed to being done with “bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts”  which is earthly, sensual, and demonic.

Dependence & Reliance on God (like little children)

Pride and Self-sufficiency relies on Self and own talents, abilities, etc. I CAN I CAN. I don’t need you. I can do it myself. I make things happen by my own determination, will, strength, contacts, influence, experience, resources, etc. We must trust in everything about God, His Person (love, mercy, care, concern), power, provision, plans; His righteousness, judgment, vengeance, etc. Paul declared sufficiency in Christ; he is only capable through Christ.

4. Jesus: Despatched from HQ to Demonstrate HQ (Humility Quotient)
Jesus’ view of Himself is that He is equal to God but He was willing to disregard that position.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5–7

He brings Himself low to identify with humanity. God knows we can’t get to Him. He had to lower and humble Himself to consider us.

Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth? Psalm 113:6 

 Jesus submits to and obeys God.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8

Jesus relies and depends on God.

Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. John 5:19 

I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. John 5:30

Learn from Jesus
 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30 

Jesus invites all to learn from Him, to find rest for our souls. This is not just a verse to use for silent retreats. Humility is the pathway to achieve true kingdom restedness. Pride is always about protecting yourself, your ego, your name, your reputation, etc. Pride relies on your own strengths, abilities, talents, contacts, efforts, etc. Pride is VERY tiring – “those who labor and are heavy laden”. You end up stressed and worked up, depressed and burnt out. You end up taking it out on yourself and others!

Humility Brings True Rest! Humility lives out of who we are in relation to God and Jesus.  Humility relies and depends wholly on God. He’s in control and in charge. Humility submits and obeys. God knows best. A “gentle and lowly” king desires a “meek and humble” people.

11 In that day you shall not be shamed for any of your deeds In which you transgress against Me; For then I will take away from your midst Those who rejoice in your pride, And you shall no longer be haughty In My holy mountain. 12 I will leave in your midst A meek and humble people, And they shall trust in the name of the Lord. Zephaniah 3:11–12

Learn from Jesus our King.

6. What’s the right Q to Kingdom HQ? Our HQ gets the attention of Kingdom HQ.
The humble gets the favour of God. The kingdom belongs to the humble.

God looks at the humble.

For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.  Isaiah 66:2

God hears the humble.

Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. Daniel 10:12

God guides and teaches the humble.

The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. Psalm 25:9 

God gives grace to the humble.

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6  (See also Proverbs 3:34)

God draws near to the humble.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7–8 

God lifts up the humble.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10 

God exalts the humble.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him (reliance & dependence), for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6–7 

God dwells with the humble.

For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15

Where are God’s quarters (dwelling place)? High & Holy Quarters! KINGDOM HQ!!! The humble get to hang out with God in Kingdom HQ! Line up in the right Q. Align with the right Q.

Conclusion 

How is your HQ? Your Humility Quotient? This is a key kingdom indicator of how you are following the King and growing in the Lord. Fastest way to know? Ask for feedback from those you respect or those closest to you. Matthew 19:14 … Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Learn from the little children – nothing to prove, everything to gain. The way to their parents’ hearts is when they are comfortable and secure in who they are and whose they are. They trust and obey their parents because they believe the parents know best. They rely and depend on their parents.  Our Heavenly Father wants us to trust Him in the same way.

The world places emphasis on all the different Qs. What is most important is HQ: Humility Quotient. Don’t line up in the wrong Qs. In desiring to be first, you will end up last. It is better to be humble. And let God lift you high. To kingdom greatness. The right Q to kingdom HQ is HQ: Humility Quotient. The kingdom belongs to the humble.