Saturday, January 16, 2016

Humble Pride


1 Peter 5:6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

In some Devine coincidence, after reading and posting Michael’s messages on humility, I came upon a devotional about the Christian virtue of being humble. Humility is so important because its antonym “pride” is such a devastating vice because it is ungodly. Proverbs 16:18-20 says: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Whoever  gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” The late British novelist, poet, academic, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, broadcaster, lecturer, and Christian apologist - C.S. Lewis stated that “it was through pride that the devil became the devil.” Pride lies at the root of mankind’s fall and threatens our families, our friendships, and even our salvation. In our sin nature, pride seems to be entrenched in who we are as humans. And yet, the reality is, everything we have comes from our Creator Father God. As the Apostle Paul asked the Corinthian Christians: “What do you have that you did not receive” - 1 Corinthians 4:7. Thus, we really have no reason to be proud.

Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,  a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who  speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.

The Bible says that we are to see ourselves for what we really are. When we see ourselves in relationship to God and His holiness and righteousness, we will know what we are and how we should humbly think about ourselves. Humility does not come from abasing, belittling, degrading, demeaning or humiliating ourselves; it comes from glorifying God. When we look to God, we will grasp our comparative unworthiness to the Almighty Maker. Yet, in His love, He will accept us and lift us up! He will cause us to know that we are adopted into His family, as sons and daughters of a glorious and victorious King!


 Proverbs 11:2When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Another antidote for pride is humble gratitude. Whenever there is an accomplishment in life, there are two attitudes we can choose from; one is pride and the other is gratitude. We must choose gratitude if we are ever going to be a blessing to the Lord. I am so pleased when Christians who have a public platform (sports, politics, acting, etc.) announce to the audience their gratitude to God for their achievements. The glory must go to God. If we fail to give glory to God, then we give praise to the creature (Romans 1:21 & 25). God does not want or need our accomplishments. Nor is He interested in our vain glorying. He wants us! He wants a heart to walk humbly with its God in pure, unconditional love. He wants a heart, mind and soul which in humility bows before His grace and His cross, knowing that Jesus Christ dying on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sins is the ultimate example of humility.


In Christ, Brian

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