Worm Theology

    Some people call it "worm theology".  A term meaning that we think
of ourselves as nothing while Jesus is everything.  It is used as a
derogatory term because they think that through pride and self-esteem
in ourselves everything will be alright.  Sounds good in theory, but
it doesn't work. 

    Many reject this thinking where we look at ourselves as a "worm"
or as nothing in God's sight and a new doctrine is becoming ever more
popular.  A system that is called "New Age" thinking.  Even in the
church, this system is gaining popularity.  Teaching that we are
really not bad at all.  God is in all of us and if we will just work
at it, we can get better and better.  They say that we can turn this
world around until everything is beautiful.  If we attain this kind of
perfection, we will have no more worries and will be healthy and
wealthy.

    Taught by all kinds of seminars and meetings both in and out of
the church.  Wrapped in psychological and counseling terminology. 
This idea is nothing more than ancient paganism.  A system that is a
lot of things, but definitely not Christian.

    What the gospel teaches is that instead of getting better and
better, we actually getting worse and worse.  God proved this when
before the flood of Noah, He allowed man to live 10 times what we do
now.  The Bible says that "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was
great in the earth, and that every intent of his heart was only evil
continually.

    New Age or not, the heart of man has not changed.  Only the
labels.  It is only when we begin to realize our deplorable state and
how we need God.  Only through God's Son Jesus can we find help in our
fallen state.

    In a hymn that is a favorite of millions, John Bunyon wrote
"Amazing grace ... that saved a wretch like me".  Reverend Bunyon had
spent his early years working on a slave ship and had met the
wretchedness of man face to face.

    Psalm 22 which is a song written by King David of ancient Israel,
is about the coming Messiah.  He says in verse 6, "But I am a worm,
and no man..."  In Philippians 2:5-8, the Apostle Paul says, "Let this
mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form
of God, ... taking the form of a servant ... He humbled himself ...
Therefore God has highly exalted Him ..."

    Jesus showed us that by humbling ourselves, God would lift us up. 
It is a very simple message.  One that shows us that if you are
content our position in this life, then go right on.  But if you are
hurting and in need, look up to heaven.  Your God has sent His Son
Jesus to give you a way out.  Simply humble yourself and repent your
sins or misdeeds and call on Jesus and He will lift you up.  What do
you have to lose but hell.

Frank Cooke