BEING HUMBLE PLEASES GOD AND BENEFITS US

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.
(Proverbs 22:4)

MEDITATION:
Humility is an interesting word. Some think being humble is a sign of
weakness. But it is quite the opposite; a humble person is one who is
confident with gentle strength.

When we are humble, we can recognize our own value and appreciate
how God has created us. The confidence of a humble person prevents
them from being one of arrogant pride. Why? Because they know they
are a result of God’s handiwork.

They have an ability to look past their own accomplishments to the One
who makes all things possible. It is easy for a humble person to redirect
any praise they receive to the Lord who made it possible.

A humble person can see the value in others too, because they don’t feel
threatened by anything they have, or any of their accomplishments.
Humble people are not jealous or envious of others. Their character gives
them the ability to enjoy seeing others succeed. Why? Because they know
their success is a result of the ability God has given them.

Humility gives us the wisdom to understand the ‘top down’ hierarchy
where everything and every person is ultimately created by God. We
can look past the creations of God to the Creator Himself.

They do not need a ‘booster shot’ of pride daily, because their confidence
is a result of their relationship with the Lord, and they know that He will
provide all they need. A humble person can accept the fact that God will
not necessarily provide for all their wants, but He does take care of their
needs. Consequently, they can recognize and receive His blessings with a
grateful heart.

It’s no surprise that God loves those with humble hearts. Those who follow
Jesus should have a natural desire to emulate His characteristics.
    Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
    for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you
    will find rest for your souls.
    (Matthew 11:29)

In the following scriptures (a few of the many regarding humility),
we can see how the Lord gives special attention to the humble.
    He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
    (Psalm 25:9)

    The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.
    (Psalm 147:6)

    For the Lord takes delight in his people;
    he crowns the humble with victory.
    (Psalm 149:4)

    For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled,
    and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
    (Luke 14:11)

    But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
    “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
    (James 4:6)

    Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
    (James 4:10)

    Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s
    mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
    (1 Peter 5:6)

ACTION:
Have you been striving to become more like the One you are following?
    In your relationships with one another,
    have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
    (Philippians 2:5)

If so, then you know that He was humble and gentle when He walked
the earth in human form. He had great concerns for the welfare of others
and was willing to sacrifice Himself for their benefit.
    Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
    Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
    not looking to your own interests but each of you to
    the interests of the others.
    (Philippians 2:3-4)

Becoming humble is a choice that is contrary to our natural tendencies,
but remember it is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. If we really
want to become more like Christ, we need to pray and ask the Lord to
help us change our attitude so we can develop humility in our own life.

Proverbs tells us that when we are humble, you can understand
the ‘fear of the Lord’ (respect, reverence and praise), and enjoy
the ‘wages of humility’ (including honor, life, and God’s riches)!

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which gives me a better
understanding of the importance of being a humble follower of Jesus.
I sincerely want to please You by becoming more like Your Son, so I
am asking You to help me develop a healthy attitude of humility in my
own life. I now realize that humility is one way for me to have a closer
relationship with You.”

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