THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2)
This proverb struck a chord with me today because of its piercing truth. It encapsulates much great wisdom in just a few words.
Essentially, our pride leads us to consider ourselves better than others and perhaps even superior to God. We become enamored with our own ideas, plans, and actions. At the same time, we become very fragile in the face of criticism, as any shortcomings might tear down the pedestal that we have established for ourselves. Insecurity wracks our thoughts, and we look over our shoulders.
Meanwhile, humility causes us to think rightly about ourselves. True humility remembers that we are each created in the image of God and therefore have dignity. While we may tease about ourselves, humility doesn't include attacking the value of our createdness. We each exist according to God's set purposes. Humility looks up to God, recognizes His sovereignty, and allows us to gratefully receive dependent dignity. In humility, we find great freedom because the world no longer revolves around or depends on us. Humility sets God in His proper place as King and Guide.
Over the past few months, it has become clearer to me that humility also opens the channel of God's grace. When we live depending on ourselves, we can't really experience grace because we have made our performance to be our "law." To receive God's all-sufficient grace, we must first recognize our desperate need for Him. It appears that many believers have trusted God for salvation but question God's ability to intervene in day-to-day matters. This lack of trust steals our joy.
How has your pride led you astray? How can you become dependent on God's grace? In what area of your life could you better apply His grace?
Lord God, thank You for making us in Your image with dignity and honor. Thank You that we may depend fully on You and find You completely trustworthy. Give us the grace to see ourselves rightly and humbly and to resign our self-reliance. You are awesome and powerful. We love You and worship You today. In Jesus's Name, amen.
"Calling Out Your Name" by Rich Mullins
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