1 Peter 5:6 “Humble 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!
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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