READ: Proverbs 3:34, 11:2, 15:33, 16:18-19, 22:4
Humility has the
power to bring God’s blessing in our lives. Who wouldn’t want this? When we
think of words such as “blessing”, “favour”, “honour”, our hearts jump and we
think – “sign me up!” Humility is the direct pathway to these things, according
to Proverbs. For example, Proverbs 15:33 proclaims, “The fear of the LORD is
instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” However, our flesh, the world and the devil all promote the
opposite – pride!
We must choose
humility. Indeed, humility is far from automatic. It is an attitude, a heart
posture. It’s reminding ourselves that we are human, but God is God. It’s also a
choice to look for the good in others and to be aware of our own tendency
towards evil. When we choose this thing called humility, we become wise. That’s
what Proverbs emphasizes and human history would echo this loud and clear.
Proverbs also
says, “Towards the scorners he his scornful, but to the humble he gives favor”
(3:34). Scorning and humility are placed in opposition to each other. When we
are prideful we lower the value of others – this is scorning. A big part of
this is disengaging from others is not submitting. One of the biggest signs of
pride is never being able to submit to anyone or anything. Humility, on the
other hand, relates to support and engagement.
God is just
waiting to bless the humble! He loves to shower favour upon those who
demonstrate the same character and life as His Son, Jesus. Will we choose this
path?
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Ask
God to search your heart for pride and/or humility. We need His help in this,
as such things often are hidden deep in us. Do any necessary confession or
praising. Ask Him to cultivate a
humble heart within you.
2.
Spend
some time in journaling in reflection – do you treat anyone as having little or
no value? Are there people that you are willingly submitting to? Humility will
mean submission and treating people with great value.
