0
0
Day 5: Humility
Scriptures:
James 3:13
13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33
33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;
humility precedes honor.
1 Peter 5:5
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
Philippians 2:5-8
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,a]”>[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privilegesb]”>[b];
he took the humble position of a slavec]”>[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,d]”>[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
One thing about our God, He hates pride. Jesus Christ exemplified the highest form of humility, becoming what God created (human) and subjecting himself to their authority. Imagine Jesus allowing someone to slap Him and spit in His face, without pulling out the “I AM God” card. So what excuse do we think we can get away with?
(29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. Matthew 27:29-31)
Humility is that one thing that we cannot do without. The Word advises us to humble ourselves. The alternative is for God to go out of His way to humble us. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather do this myself, thanks!
Like, imagine God being your opposing force. God being the One Who is actually coming against what you’re doing. I personally do not want to be an enemy of God, I prefer being His friend.
Humility has a lot to do with placing yourself under authority.
Humility is treating those “below” you favourably, when it is in your power and sometimes to your benefit to do otherwise.
Humility means you are teachable.
Humility is required in every aspect of our lives, and at every point of the journey with God;
- As a baby Christian: you have to unlearn what you know and learn God’s ways (where applicable)
- As a growing Christian: being used by God in greater ways and being blessed by God in visible ways tends to lead to pride, or the temptation to become proud
- As a young person: it takes humility to take the teachings of the elders
- As an older person: it takes humility to admit when you are wrong and ask for forgiveness
- In a marriage: humility means submission and unconditional love
All of life requires us to maintain the attitude of being humble, in order to maintain good relationships – including the one with God!
25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT)
Practical tips:
- Learn to ask for help
- Learn to apologize
- Learn to adopt God’s perspective regarding who you are and what other people mean to God
- Treat people the way God wants you to
- Always be willing to learn
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:13-24).
Help me Father, to remain humble, even when You exalt me, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
