We are living in a day of self; I, me and mine. The hearts of some people ask themselves questions like, What can I get? What’s in it for me? This may not be true for everyone however for most part of our society and is quite apparent even in Christian circles (The Church).
“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18 NKJV
The word Pride refers to; a highness or a swelling up. You can see this in Isaiah 14:12-15 where satan tried to exalt himself above God. He swelled up so to speak, in pride and ego to lift himself up above God.
Pride is evident when one is consumed more in ones own achievement or there is a sense of self-will or self-centredness present. It’s more about how you feel rather than those around you. This is true in marriages, Church leaderships, secular organisations and in everyday life even in a shopping centre or cafes. Satan tried to exalt himself and take the glory and do things his way. We must be careful of being a “SELF MADE INDIVIDUAL”. This is evident when we hear language like, “I achieved success”, “I built this business myself” or even “I built this Ministry”. Last time I checked any “self made” person had people either promote them, support them, purchase services or products from them in some way shape or form.
The question I have is this, where is GOD in any of it? “By THE GRACE OF GOD”, “Because HE LOVED ME”, “Because of HIS GOODNESS”, or “Because of HIS PROMISESAND FAITHFULNESS”! It is better to walk humbly before God, than being humbled by God.
To GO HIGH, we must STAY LOW!
We see a portion of scripture where God is speaking to Solomon. He appeared to him for a second time after he completed building God’s house or sanctuary. (You can also read more about it in 1 Kings 9:1-9).
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
God wasn’t talking about the world or unbelievers, He was talking about His people, to Israel, to you and I.
There are 3 keys to God hearing and responding to heal a nation, land or people.
# 1 Humble oneself (Submit to God, lower yourself)
# 2 Seek God – (Prayer, intimacy and dependency)
# 3 Turn from your ways, (Sin, idols and the flesh)
The result is that God will hear our prayers, respond to our prayers and will watch over all areas that concern our lives. True humility starts with complete submission to God, His ways, His Word and His leading!
King David walked like this!
King David had brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem and he danced before the Lord with great rejoicing. He was stripped of all his royal apparel and only had on a shortened priestly garment underneath called “A Priestly EPHOD”. His wife Michal was embarrassed and detested him for this. You read about this in 2 Samuel 6. Nevertheless I love His response in verse 21-22; “So David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the Lord. “I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight.”
David knew his God, provider, shield, comforter, protector and salvation. He knew all he had was because of God, and all he did was for God. David was a humble man, not perfect, just a desire to please God. David’s life teaches us that humility begins with a heart fully submitted and yielded to God. A life devoted to the Lord and never thinking higher of ourselves than we ought to.
“A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour.” – Proverbs 29:23
In closing of this newsletter I want to leave you with one more thing.
“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another,
and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” – 1 Peter 5:5-6
Who humbles themselves? – You do! Who exalts you? – That’s right, God does!
Humility starts with submission to those set over you (parents, church elders, employers), submission to one another in the love of the Lord honouring and valuing each other as well as being fully submitted to God and His Word.
What’s the benefit of Humility? God pours out more Grace (Unmerited favour)!
“A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” – Proverbs 18:16
“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12
May the Holy Spirit give you the power to walk in humility, and pour out much grace in your life.