Do you live your life in humility or pride? I have to admit that I live my life in both humility and pride. I am not sure which I am more often humble or proud. Why is it that pride is often times a problem in life? What does it do to us and to others around us? Is it sinful to be proud? If it is not always sinful then when does it become sinful?
It is very clear to me that humility and pride in The Holy Bible are total opposites. As I looked to find wisdom and understanding about the subject of humility it seems to me that there is no room for pride in my life because the consequences humility far out way the consequences of pride. The following passages in Proverbs clearly show. Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” (ESV) Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (ESV) Proverbs 26:12, “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (ESV)
James tells me the difference between the consequences between pridefulness and humility. James 4:6, “But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (ESV) Also Proverbs 22:4 says about the same thing. “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” (ESV) I know that I would much prefer the consequences of humility. How about you?
Paul and James talk about humility as well. They instruct me on what we are supposed to do regarding living my life in humility. They tell me that not only am I suppose to humble myself before God, which to me is a no brainer, but I am to humble myself before other people. The second is not necessarily an easy task for me. It implies that I am to look at others as being better or more important than me. Colossians 3:12, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” (ESV) Ephesians 4:2, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” (ESV) James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (ESV)
I am convinced that I must humble myself before God and before man. It is not always easy for me to do, but with the power of the Holy Spirit whom dwells within me I will strive to humble myself. The first step to that in my mind is for me to humble myself before God the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in me to become humble. I know when I do that I will have more hope.
So, join me in humbling yourself before others and before God. Knowing when we find God answers the humble. He will answer and that gives us hope. God is the only One who can give you true hope. He can make all things right. As you search receive hope for yourself and give hope to others by living in God’s faithfulness. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross satisfied the penalty for my sins and yours as well. It satisfied all my sins from the past, in the present and in the future. My penalty and yours was satisfied on the cross by the death of Jesus, God’s greatest act of love and wrath, who became sin for me and you. It was also God’s greatest act of faithfulness because “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV) Because of that we ought to believe in Jesus. I hope that you join me in choosing Jesus.
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