By Andrew Williams
“The proud look of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” (Isaiah 2:11)
Good morning fellow disciples.
In a world that so often exalts self-promotion, personal accomplishments, and status, the call to humility can seem countercultural and even challenging. Yet, the Scriptures are clear that pride is a dangerous trap that leads to downfall, while humility is the pathway to true blessing and exaltation.
Proverbs 29:23 reminds us that “One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.” Pride, the opposite of humility, is a spirit that elevates self above all else, and it is a spiritual poison that can lead to the destruction of our relationships, our character, and ultimately, our relationship with God. In contrast, humility is the foundation upon which we can experience the transformative power of God’s grace.
In Philippians 2:3-8, we see a powerful example of humility in the person of Jesus Christ. Though equal with God, He “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Jesus, the King of kings, chose to humble Himself and become obedient to the point of death on a cross. This selfless act of humility is the ultimate model for how we are to live our lives, putting the needs of others before our own and finding true greatness in humble service.
Cultivating a humble spirit does not come naturally to us, as our sinful nature is inclined towards pride and self-exaltation. However, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose to humble ourselves and actively pursue a lifestyle of humility. This may involve regularly examining our motives, seeking feedback from others, and intentionally serving in ways that put the spotlight on God rather than ourselves. As we surrender our need for control and recognition, we open ourselves up to the profound blessings that come from walking in the humble footsteps of Christ.
Choosing to humble yourself is a decision that runs counter to the values of our culture, but it is a decision that aligns us with the heart of God. When we humble ourselves before the Lord and one another, we experience the freedom to live in the fullness of His grace and the joy of being used for His eternal purposes. May we be a people who choose to humble ourselves, that the Lord alone may be exalted in all things.
Prayer: Father God, I confess that the sin of pride has too often crept into my heart and mind. Forgive me for the times when I have sought to exalt myself, rather than humbly submitting to Your will.
Help me to fix my eyes on the example of Your Son, Jesus, who selflessly humbled Himself for my sake. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, transform me into someone who exemplifies true humility – putting the needs of others before my own, and finding my greatest joy in serving and honoring You.
May my life be a testament to the profound blessings that comes from walking in humble obedience to Your ways. I surrender my need for control and recognition, and choose to humble myself before You, the only true and worthy God. Amen.