2 Chronicles 16:9-10 NIV – ‘“Certainly the Lord watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on you will have war.” Asa was so angry at the prophet, he put him in jail….’
King Asa was one of the few good kings of Judah until later in his life when he allowed pride to come in; He settled into spiritual complacency and started living his life independent of God. The moment he did, he began making foolish decisions. When he was rebuked, he put God’s prophet in jail instead of repenting and turning back to God. In another instance of his life, he sought help from doctors with a foot disease, but neglected asking for God’s help (2 Chronicles 16:12-13).
King Asa’s life is a lesson for those who are willing to listen; We all need accountability. Many people start strong, but don’t finish strong because they lack accountability to God or men. Whenever we find ourselves living life the way we want – neglecting the Lord’s counsel or the counsel of the godly people he has placed around us — we are in dangerous territory.
A clear contrast to a life of pride and unaccountability is a life of humility. When we are humble, we are not too proud to neglect discipline from God and others. In fact we open ourselves up to correction from God and the godly people around us because we want to grow. Consider the following verses as you reflect on a life of humility.
Isaiah 66:2 NIV – “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”
1 Peter 5:5 NIV – “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
When we have an attitude of humility, God’s Word and the counsel of godly people is able to transform us into who God wants us to be. Humility is also a sure way to receive blessing and favor with God. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) also reminds us that,“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
WHAT NEXT? Make a decision to be accountable to God and the godly community around you. Accept your imperfections and don’t allow corrections from God’s Word and people to bring shame. Let them bring blessing.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for letting me know that I am not perfect. Beginning today, I choose to humble myself and take correction from Your Word and from the godly people you’ve placed around me. Give me the grace to do this in Jesus’ name. Amen.