Humility is a vital part of readiness for salvation. When we think we can save our self, or that we can better control our life than anyone else, or when we do not want anyone telling us what to do because we want to live according to our own desires, we miss out on what God has in store for us both now and in eternity (1 Corinthians 2:9).
God’s Word advises us that if we live in strife, stress, and boastfulness, this is a futile lifestyle; but to live with a lowliness of mind, and when we esteem others better than our self, we are abundantly blessed in every way with all the goodness of God (Philippians 2:3).
When we are of the same mind, respect others regardless of their looks or financial status, and do not rely on the human wisdom that comes from self-deception, God honors us (Romans 12:16). He prefers to see the hidden motives of our heart coming from the gem of a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Shame always follows pride, but wisdom accompanies meekness (Proverbs 11:2). When we humble our self before the Lord God, He lifts us up and gives us praise, blessings, and honor (James 4:10). As the elect of God, we are holy and loved by Him, and His Spirit provides us with mercy, kindness, meekness, and patience toward others (Colossians 3:12).
Our pride eventually shames us and causes us to reap satanic attacks on our body, soul, and spirit. Yet, humility and honoring the Lord bring us graciousness, physical blessings, and a fulfilled life because we trust in the Lord (Proverbs 22:4, 29:23). We humble our self before the Lord, and He exalts us in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
Prayer:
Father God, we are wise and given Your knowledge when we walk before You in meekness and with the good deeds You inspire us to perform (James 3:13). Haughtiness brings destruction, but humility brings us honor and Your good graces (Proverbs 18:12). It also helps us to get along with other people, to have compassion for our self and others, to love the unlovable, and to have an attitude of modesty and courtesy toward others (1 Peter 3:8).
Jesus advised His apostles to desire to be last, rather than to fight to be first, because the contentious and prideful will be last and the servant of all (Mark 9:35). Through Biblical examples we learn that You choose the lowly of mind to bring about good from the impossible, and to serve as vessels for Your honor and glory (1Corinthians 1:28-29). Remind us to do what You require of us: to be just, and merciful, and to walk humbly with You (Micah 6:8).
Thoughts for the Day:
As we call on the name of the Lord, humble our self and pray, we will seek God’s face, and turn from our self-centered lifestyle. Then, we will hear from God who forgives our sins and heal us (2 Chronicles 7:14). When we take up God’s will for our life and learn from Jesus’ example of meekness and humility of heart, He gives us His yoke instead of the one we chose, which lightens our load of sorrows on this earth (Matthew 11:29-30).
