Seeds of Wisdom

GOD GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE

1 Peter 5:5 – “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Paul says in Colossians 2:18, “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility… disqualify you.” Whether it is in your manner of dress, your speech, or your behaviour, anything that draws attention to you and away from Christ is displeasing to God. Truly humble people do not take offence easily or fight back; they turn the other cheek. And yet their humility is not cowardice, for true humility requires courage. Humility makes you take a lower place than you deserve, keep quiet about your merits, and bear slights, insults, correction, and false accusations for the sake of a higher purpose.

True humility does not make you less of yourself; it just makes you think of yourself less. Peter addresses the subject in these words: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. So, humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honour.”

The story is told of a gentleman who entered a contest to see who was the humblest. When he won, he was given a badge of merit - but then he wore it and so was disqualified! Seriously, pride disqualifies you from enjoying the favour of God. That is why you need to remind yourself regularly saying, ‘Everything I am, I owe to God; everything I have, came from God. To Him be all the glory!’

Further Reading: Philippians 2:5-14, James 4:4-8, 1 Peter 5:1-8

Prayer: Pray that God will give you the spirit of humility.