Week 27
Romans 12:3 “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
One of the rarest virtues found in human experience today is the virtue of humility. This rare treasure, so beautiful and so glorious, is stunningly absent in human thinking and relationships today.
And yet, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to exercise ourselves unto godly humility. This concept is not of human origin, but it comes to our understanding “through the grace” (of God) given to Paul. His admonition to us is to “not…think more highly” of ourselves as we “ought to think.” But instead, we should have “sound judgment” based on our “measure of faith” allotted to us by God.
It is surprising to discover that the root of every other virtue in the Christian’s life comes from humility, which may be described as a right understanding of oneself before God and others. The higher we think of ourselves, the more problems we incur. Every spiritual, emotional, psychological, and relational solution begins with humility; humility is the first step toward the light.
In contrast selfishness is the path to destruction. Selfishness (self-centeredness) leads us to criticize, complain, and brag to the detriment of our souls and our relationships with others. And it is important to note that selfishness is the very core of all sin; thus, selfishness destroys our friendship with God. No selfish person walks with Jesus in faith and obedience.
Wherever we are right now in our lives, whatever we are facing, and whatever difficulty stands before us, the first step to healing and getting help is to humble ourselves before God and before others. Satan recoils in surprise and disdain when a Christian confesses sin and humbles himself before God. Humility can never be a characteristic that Satan shares. His pride as Lucifer resulted in his being kicked out of heaven. Every person who puffs self in boastfulness and pity takes his or her stand with Satan against God. Nothing good ever comes from putting self in first place in our lives.
But the Bible says, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). The Bible says again, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6). God pours grace, healing, and sustaining mercy on the Christian who humbles himself or herself before God. Humility is the first step on the road to renewal and recuperation in life, no matter what the cause of our suffering and pain may be.
Will we humble ourselves before God and accept His will and leadership in our lives? Will we soak our pain in love for God and others, seeking to do the right thing? We must let godly humility and love be our guide.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to not focus my mind and attention on myself. Please help me to accept my situation and trust Your sovereign will and grace to sustain me and get me through. Amen.