We previously focused on the meaning of humility. We learned that it is the choice to fear the Lord instead of men and that it brings riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4). Today, we focus more on why it is a crucial aspect of the Christian's journey.
Let's briefly consider the opposite of humility - pride. It is a condition that plagues most people, believers and non-Christians alike. This should come as no surprise, given that pride was the first sin recorded in the Bible. Yes, the pride of satan caused it to be kicked out of heaven along with a third of the angels because they sided with the devil against God. The devil desires that everyone made in the image of God will be driven mad with pride, just as it is. It knows that this is a key way to keep souls from reaching heaven.
God's word, however, instructs individuals to avoid pride at all costs, and this is a choice we need to commit to. The Holy Spirit will help us once we do. Micah 6:8 tells us how important this is, saying, No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (NLT). We are also warned that "pride precedes a disaster, and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall" (Proverbs 16:18 GWT).
While pride comes before a downfall, humility, on the other hand, precedes honor. Proverbs 29:23 - Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor (NLT). The honor spoken of here is not just what we would think of, such as prestige and wealth. When God speaks of honor, there's so much more to it.
For example, God's honor upon the Israelites in Canaan meant that their enemies trembled with fear when they learned of their approach (Deuteronomy 2:25). Rahab testified to this (Joshua 2:10). In King David's case, it meant that God gave him a great name, like those of the greatest men on earth (2 Samuel 7:9). In practical terms, David's reputation kept his kingdom safe until after the death of his successor, King Solomon. Furthermore, God held him up as the standard that every new Judean king had to meet. Imagine such blessings in your own life. This is the kind of honor that godly humility can bring.
But wait, there's more!
Proverbs 22:4 makes clear that life is a reward of godly humility, but how many of us want to make it to heaven, where life is forever? Humility leads to honor from the Lord and guarantees our entrance to His kingdom. Romans 2:7 - To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. As we seek honor by walking in godly humility, eternal life with God is the reward. And we are to persist in seeking that honor of eternity. Therefore, we can't allow ourselves to be distracted or deterred. The only one who wins when that happens is our enemy, satan.
May we all live lives that put James 4:10 into practice. May we humble ourselves before the Lord so He will lift us up. And may we all depend on the Lord, His Word, and Spirit to shun pride as we journey to heaven, IJMN, Amen.
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ALTAR CALL
If you are yet to give your life to Christ, don't let this moment go by without doing so. And if you've backslidden and are living as you like instead of how God wants you to, now is the time to recommit.
It is time to repent and return to the Lord. It is time to commit yourself to living by His word and submit to having Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Look, the video below will do a better job explaining things than I can, and it's only 8 minutes long. Yup, there are no cliff notes, please just watch.
If you watched the video to the end and said the prayer at the end, then welcome to being a child of God! You are now a born-again Christian! I pray you receive the Holy Spirit and are led in the ways of the Lord. Send me a message letting me know you said the prayer. I'll send you more materials so you can grow as a new creature, washed clean and restored.
Regardless, please make prayer a regular part of your life. It is simply you talking to the Lord. Also, please start reading the Bible and ask God to make it come alive for you. It holds all the answers you need. You can start by reading the Epistle of John, the Book of Acts, and the Book of Romans. Get water baptized as quickly as you can and ask God to lead you to a church of His choosing.
Congrats and God bless you!