But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble – James 4:6
When I think about learning humility, I remember Jospeh who was sold into slavery despite being a child marked for a glorious destiny. He ended up in the pit after carelessly sharing his dreams with his envious brothers and learned the lifetime lesson of humility prior to becoming all that God wanted him to be.
I also think of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was humble to the point of death on the cross. Because of His great humility, God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name that is above every other name. (Phil 2:5-11).
In contrast, I also remember Herod that personified pride. Herod received praises from people without giving glory to God and was struck dead. Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.(Acts 12:23).
From the story of Jospeh and our Lord Jesus Christ, we see that pathway to the greatness was that of humility.
Are you ready to pay the prize to true greatness? : Learn from Joseph and follow the example of Jesus Christ.
Do not self-exalt yourself. Have a childlike attitude of simplicity, transparence and servant hood.
Avoid the pit of pride that Satan fell into by desiring to exalt himself and be like God. (Isaiah 14:12-14).
Be careful not to become obsessed with I, myself, and me. Be careful not to be obsessed with your accolades, successes, the miracles God did through you, the number of souls you won for God or the prayers you prayed that God answered. Do not think that you are better than others.
Jesus recognized vain ambition in his disciples and admonished them “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45
From today, say no to pride and make a fresh decision to follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Lord you resist the proud but give grace to the humble. Please rid me of all pride and help me to humble myself and know that am nothing without you. In Jesus name. Amen