1 PETER 5:5 – Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
THEME OF THE DAY: HUMILITY: THE CHIEF VIRTUE IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. The seventeenth century Puritan Pastor, George Swinnock said, “Pride is the shirt of the soul, put on first and put off last.” His insightful picture shows us the mother of all sin, pride, is present and always a struggle from birth to death. We will only be free from its influence when we see Jesus and the process of our sanctification is complete, but until them, we are in a war. It is a war against pride that constantly seeks to defeat or quench the most important work God does in our hearts – the development of the chief virtue in the Christian life; humility.
Many years ago John Newton, the converted slave trader who became a preacher and a Christian poet who wrote the most beloved hymn of the faith, Amazing Grace, lay upon his deathbed. A young clergyman came to see him and expressed deep regret at the prospect of losing so eminent a laborer in the Lord’s vineyard. The venerable servant of God replied, “True, I’m going on before you, but you’ll soon come after me. When you arrive, our friendship will no doubt cause you to inquire for me. But I can tell you already where you’ll most likely find me—I’ll be sitting at the feet of the thief whom Jesus saved in His dying moments on the cross!” Although a distinguished man and greatly used by God, Newton felt with Paul that he could only class himself among the chief of sinners who have been saved through marvelous grace.
John Newton and the Apostle Paul are fine examples of men in whom God developed the humility. Their greatness and influence were because of humility. How well and wide God will use us in His service will be determined by the level of pride remaining in us. Seek the praise of people; boast of our giftedness; and measure success by the impact we have on people and watch how little we will be used by God. All those previous statements are manifestations of pride, and prideful Christians will be shelved Christians not used Christians. God shares His glory with no one else.
In the working of humility in His children, God has many ways. Two of the most effective are connected but distinct. God used this in Job’s life. Yes, suffering was also used, but here was the real measure of Job that developed humility in him – Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:1-6). Job saw God and then he saw himself. Here is how true humility develops; the holy God revealing Himself to a sinful human, and then the sinner receives amazing grace. It worked in the Apostle Paul, Job, and it will in us as well. May God find us seeking Him that we would be transformed by the Spirit of God developing humility in us.
PRAYER: “Father, help me to submit with a glad heart to the painful work of You do to rid me of the chief sin in my life – pride.“
QUOTE: “Humility is a sweet virtue bringing joy, peace, and comfort to the heart, but it is not achieved without great pain and suffering.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim