HUMILITY
"Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you supposes that he is wise in this age--let him discard his [worldly] discernment and recognize himself as dull, stupid and foolish, without [true] learning and scholarship; let him become a fool that he may become [really] wise. [Isaiah 5:21]" (1 Corinthians 3:18 AMP).
Have you emptied yourself of pride? Have you given up striving for your own way? Are you in contention with anyone? Are you done with selfishness or serving your own ends or boasting of your accomplishments? Do you esteem others more than yourself? Are you concerned more for the interests and benefit of others more than your own? Your answers to these questions will indicate your attitude--whether it is Christlike or fleshly. The answers will expose the real motive behind your deed (actions).
If you are going to live for Christ in a corrupt society, you must humble yourself (James 4:8-10). There is no greater enemy of divine love than pride! It was and is the downfall of mankind. Every good that has been created has been corrupted by the arrogance of human (and angelic) pride. Like wise, there is none greater in the kingdom of God than the humble and contrite heart (Matthew 18:4). And Jesus Christ is our example to follow!
The humble cannot be conquered for they are subject already to God, Who is Lord of all. The humble cannot be robbed or murdered or deceived, for they have given all to God, trusted all to God and adhere only to God. God is the Keeper of all entrusted to Him; He is the Giver (and Taker) of life; He is the Truth. And, "if God be for us, who can be against us?--Who can be our foe; if God is on our side?" (Romans 8:31) The humble finds that he has no enemy, only those he can pray for. The humble cannot be offended or persecuted or afflicted or suffering any loss that can take from him the love of Christ or the grace of God.
The arrogant shall inherit eternal condemnation but the meek, the humble, shall inherit eternal life! When we like our Lord Jesus Christ, humble ourselves "under the mighty hand of God," then we shall, in due time, be exalted with and in Christ to rule with Him. In the end, in the day of our Lord, we will find that humility conquers pride. Think about it.
© S.M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: forgiveness
