At three different periods in his Christian career Paul seems to pause and take account of himself in the light of the Divine presence. And, let us remember, in the sanctuary is the only place where we can come to a proper estimate of self. If we measure ourselves among ourselves, we are not wise (2 Cor. 15:12). Such a standard is short of the mark, and when used the flesh will be sure to find something in which to glory. The balances of God's sanctuary never fail to register correctly, and when weighed there we are ever found wanting. It is the sense of this in our hearts that will keep us in a humble attitude before God and man. This is essential, for it is the humble in spirit whom God has promised to bless, while the proud He knoweth afar off.

THE LEAST OF THE APOSTLES

Paul was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and as such he occupied a unique place. There were, however, twelve other apostles. Each one was chosen by the Lord for a definite work. They would doubtless differ as to ability and gift. Some would outshine others, according to man's way of judging things, and here the flesh could easily be manifested in pride, envy and jealousy, and other obnoxious traits.

But it is indeed refreshing to behold the marked absence of the spirit of any of these in the apostle Paul. Comparing himself with his fellow-workmen, he could say:"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God" (1 Cor. 15:9).

In what way, may we ask, was Paul "least of the apostles?" It is certain that he was not inferior as to office, power or ability. When the Corinthian saints questioned Paul's apostleship he could more than defend himself, deeming it foolish to have to do so, because of their carnal condition. He was not a whit behind the very chiefest of the apostles. He labored more abundantly than they all, and had every reason to glory in the persecutions endured for Christ's sake (2 Cor. 11).

However honorable his office as the great apostle of the Gentiles, and however mightily used of the Lord in the salvation of many precious souls and the establishment of the early Church, Paul ever exhibited the humble spirit of his Lord and Master. He esteemed others better than himself, remembering his former lost estate as a rebel against God. He had "persecuted the Church," but the Lord had showed him great mercy by saving his soul and calling him to be an apostle. This produced the sense of grace in his soul, and kept him humble.

How we all need to follow Paul in this! It is when we get high in our own estimation, and begin to look down on others, that we grow proud. May those of us who serve the Lord in a public way especially seek to emulate the beautiful and humble spirit of the apostle Paul. If we humble ourselves the Lord will do the exalting.

LEAST OF ALL SAINTS

At a later date Paul again speaks of himself in a comparative way. This time it is as a saint he speaks. "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph. 3:8).
One of the strong and needed exhortations in God's Word for all His people is:"Grow in grace" (2 Pet. 3:8). We cannot grow into grace, but we can and should grow in divine grace. Paul is a striking example of this. Some years have elapsed since his first estimate of self as an apostle. During that time he has grown in grace, and now the circle widens to "all saints."

We can but marvel at the grace which shines so brightly in the life of this dear man of God. Paul had just been referring to the revelations which the Lord had committed to him. He surely was a chosen vessel, and he was used above all others, both in the Gospel and in establishing the Lord's people in the purpose of God for this age. But what was the secret of his success? we are here constrained to ask. "To me, who am less than the least of all saints is this grace given," Paul would reply. Ah, it was because he was so emptied of self in every respect that the Lord could fill him with divine fulness, and make of the former blasphemer a pattern saint.

I challenge my own heart as I ask:How do I compare with the apostle Paul in this? If only we possessed this lowly mind, how much trouble the Lord's people would be spared! It is when pride gets a place in our hearts that we become easily offended and insulted.

CHIEF OF SINNERS

The years sped on in Paul's eventful life of toil for his Saviour and Lord. Now we view him as a veteran, Paul the aged. With the years of Christian experience he has grown more mellow in spirit and in true holiness. The more he came to know Christ, and the nearer he approached the glory for which he so ardently longed, Paul's personal estimate of self sinks to a still lower level."This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"-and Paul adds by way of personal testimony, "Of whom I am chief" (1 Tim. 1:15). Many deep-dyed sinners there have been, but Paul now places himself right at the top of the list. "I am chief!" he exclaims. Whilst Paul could exhort, "Follow me," he goes on, "even as I also follow Christ." The lowliness that marked him was the lowliness of Christ (Phil. 2:5). As he followed he became more like his Master. As we increase in years of Christian experience are our lives characterized by this? It is a searching question for all our hearts. If we are earnestly endeavoring to walk daily in sweet and intimate communion with our blessed and holy Lord, the characteristics seen in the beloved apostle Paul will surely be developed in us. Doubtless this is what Paul emphasized when he wrote:"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed in the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18).

Let us consider these words afresh, and seek to respond to our Lord's mind and desire concerning us, His own blood-bought people. S. Stewart