Humility

Prov 12:1 says "he who hates correction is stupid." As I read this verse this morning I was reminded of the new series we are preaching on at the Rock: "Greatness - The Way Up is Down". Jesus said "...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." Mark 10:43-44

So if we want God to exalt us and be men and women of influence, we must humble ourselves (bring ourselves low) in our relationship to God and others. Prov 18:12 reads "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor."

What does a humble man look like? At a minimum a humble man:
  • is Teachable (allows others to mold his life)
  • is a Servant (serves others both physically and spiritually)
  • is Submissive (submits to proper authority - both divine and human)
  • Puts Others First (doesn't grab the biggest and best slice of pizza first)
  • Seeks Advice (doesn't think or act like he's a "know-it-all")

If we are humble we will gain God's Grace for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5 Then, with God's grace in our lives we will be able to achieve God's purpose for us as he exalts us to places of more influence for His Glory.

Comments

  1. MomJuly 12, 2007 at 11:59 AM

    Thank you so much for taking time to write down what the Lord is teaching you! I am greatly encouraged.
    Would one of the points for humility be a "loving attitude?" I find sometimes that we can have all those points you mentioned, but we kill it with an impatient or unloving spirit. God has really been showing me how I need to really work in that area toward all my brothers and sisters and my family.
    Love you
    cj

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mandy FernandezJuly 12, 2007 at 5:24 PM

    You are so right. The spirit with which we do everything is ultimately what God wants to work on. He wants us to do the right things, with the right motivation. True humility is at work when both things match up. Thanks for your comment.

    ReplyDelete

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