"This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word." Isaiah 66:2
When I asked my pastor, John Brown, about a book on humility, he immediately recommended Humility - True Greatness by C. J. Mahaney. His recommendation became a treasured book in my library. I love Mahaney's definition of humility: "Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness."
Our pride competes with humility. Listen to these statements about pride in Mahaney's book:
"Biblical evidence abounds for the conclusion that there's no more offensive sin to God than pride."
Proverbs 16:5: "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished."
Mahaney explains that God hates pride so passionately because we are trying to lift ourselves to the status and position of God. We are being prideful when we refuse to acknowledge our dependence on Him.
Mahaney states: "The proud person seeks to glorify himself and not God, thereby attempting in effect to deprive God of something only He is worthy to receive." So how do we deal with the temptation to lift ourselves up instead of our holy God who is so far above us?
The good news is that we have a Savior who shows us what true humility is. Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Just as Jesus died and rose again, so we must die to self and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our motivations and our actions. Unless we are humbly serving others for His glory, we are missing the mark.
Jesus instituted a new way to live, totally opposite of the world that values power, money, and status. Living as servant-hearted children of God brings Him much glory and gives us much peace and satisfaction. Here are some of the verses God gives us about humility:
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” – Psalms 25:9
“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” – Psalms 149:4
We would do well to live out the following verse:
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God."
Father, we all face the temptation to lift ourselves up instead of You. Please help us recognize pride in our hearts. May we humble ourselves before You in recognition of your great holiness. We praise you for Jesus, who showed us what true humility looks like in real life. May we follow His example! In His Name we pray, Amen.
See you next week!
