1Peter 5:5
Be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
What of Today’s Verse…
We have considered that humility and faith must be developing within our lives, if we are going to grow in grace. Let’s take a few days to reconsider each, looking first at humility. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Pride leads the list of things that God despises. “These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue . . . . ” (Pro_6:16-17). God wants our lives to be edified; pride is destructive. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). The Lord desires that people be established in truth; pride is deceptive. “The pride of your heart has deceived you” (Oba_1:3). It is God’s will that lives grow in things that are honourable; pride brings disgrace. “When pride comes, then comes shame” (Pro_11:2). Our Lord does not want His name dishonoured or our lives destroyed by pride.
On the other hand, humility is a character trait that God loves to develop in us. This can be observed by the terms God uses in His word when addressing humility. “Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud” (Pro_16:19). The Lord reveals that we are better off being a humble person, who associates with modest people, than to partake of the wealth that the arrogant can often accumulate.
Also the Lord says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mat_5:3). Here we are told that humility is a blessing, because the spiritual realm of God’s rule and God’s provisions are given to the humble.
Elsewhere God revealed, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isa_57:15). Although our Lord is most fully revealed in His heavenly abode on high, He also dwells with humble and broken lives on earth below, in order to bring them spiritual revitalization.
Of course, we cannot manufacture humility. It is a relational reality. It results from getting to know the Lord. Isaiah discovered this. “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up . . . Then I said: ‘Woe is me, for I am undone’! ” (Isa_6:1,5). When the Lord was revealed in all His glory, Isaiah responded in profound humility. This can be happening in our lives, as we get into the scriptures, seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord. As He is increasingly revealed to us, our response will be more humility.
Let us Pray:
O God Most High, I repent of those many times when pride was the despicable attitude that I displayed. Lord, teach me to despise pride as You do. Stir in my heart a growing appreciation of humility. I desire to be clothed with humility. I humbly seek You afresh that I might live by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Words of Wisdom
World Peace
I see God in every face.
When I witness discord among people, I may wonder how we can live together in peace. Divisions polarize, but I can be part of a peaceful alternative.
I know that all people originate from the same divine source. Every person of every faith, tradition, lifestyle and nationality is a child of God. We are all members of the same spiritual family. Even though family members may not always agree, we are all bound together by the love of God. Like spokes on a wheel, no matter which direction each of us points, we all connect at the centre.
As I look into the faces of my spiritual brothers and sisters, I see the light of God in every face, and I send them love. This season, I give the gift of peace to all.
Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.–Hebrews 12:14
