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Humility Doesn't Just HappenHumility Doesn't Just Happen
Larry Tomczak
God wants the people who serve Him to be men and women of humility. When you trust in your own abilities and seek recognition, you set yourself up for a fall. If you ever struggle with superhero tendencies, you are in good company. The apostle Paul struggled with pride, and as a result, God gave him a thorn in the flesh (see 2 Cor. 12:7-9).
The power for you to minister comes not from honed skills or extensive Bible knowledge (which are both important). The power comes from your inabilities and God abilities. God's power is made perfect in weakness, and His grace is released in your life when you deflect honor from you to Him.
Throughout Scripture God makes it clear that He will not share His glory with any other [see Isaiah 42:8]. The classic Westminster Catechism explains it this way: "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." While you were created to enjoy God, you were created to glorify Him, too. When you withhold the glory that belongs to God, you will find Him opposing you. The apostle Peter wrote: All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble," Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. I Peter 5:5-7
God isn't neutral or passive about proud people. He opposes them. The Greek word for oppose in the above passage is a military term that literally means "to range in battle against." When you seek glory for yourself, when you take the credit for any success, you risk God battling against you. And the one person you don't want resisting you is almighty God!
On the other hand, God gives grace to the humble. Pride places God against you; humility places God on your side and unleashes the powers of heaven on your behalf.
Furthermore, Peter doesn't write, "You are clothed with humility." He writes, "Clothe yourselves with humility." Humility is something God won't do for you. It's not a fruit of the Spirit that is a result of the Spirit's work. Humility is an act of the will. That's why Peter writes further, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time." God isn't opposed to exalting you. In fact, He wants to - but He must be the One doing the exalting! Exalt yourself, and God will humble you. But humble yourself, and God will exalt you - according to His time line.
You may have the noblest reasons for drawing attention to yourself, but all of them are rooted in pride. Don't worry about being promoted. Be faithful in the little things, and God will make you a ruler over much (see Matt. 25:23).
Adapted from Larry Tomczak, Reckless Abandon, copyright 2002
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Prayer Power
This week clothe yourself with humility, trust God to lead you in all the areas of your life, and give Him all the glory. Thank Him that He is in control and ask Him to help you be faithful in whatever responsibilities He has placed before you. Continue to pray for those in authority over you - The President and his cabinet, our legislative and judicial branches of government, our pastors and other spiritual leaders, and our employers. Remember Israel and the Middle East when you pray across the continents for all nations. Pray protection for those sharing the gospel around the world. I Peter 5:5-7
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