03/09/2020 -
If we are of a humble spirit then our body will follow. When a man’s heart is not filled with humility then it is impossible for him to be humble before the world... much less his God. Have you allowed your faith to give itself over to humility, or does your pride still dominate who you are, and cause you to stumble?
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
In this world we think that being exalted means honor, position, and wealth. We are convinced that if we have these then such things as happiness, health, Peace fullness, and a deeper faith will most certainly follow, but scripture tells us otherwise.
“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."”
1 Peter 5:5 ESV
When I was younger the quest for worldly success was paramount, and I thought that if I could only achieve more, and gain a higher position in life, that all the rest of my life’s lofty desires would naturally come to me, and my faith would find a smoother path to follow. I was wrong, and found myself mired in pride and arrogance. As we seek earthly reward our journey of faith is made to stumble at every turn...
“And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."”
Matthew 19:23-24 ESV
When we attempt to have what the world has to offer hoping all else will be brought along on its coattails we have ultimately set ourselves up for disappointment. However, when a man’s focus is on God, and then he is given wealth, it is given so that he can better do the will of God that has been laid out before him; his earthly success is meant to be a tool that will bring glory to God. Yet even if this is the man’s mindset, he will suffer, and spend much time on his knees in his prayer closet in contrition, begging forgiveness, and seeking guidance around pride, and the other obstacles of worldly fortune.
“And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”
Luke 12:47-48 ESV
On the other hand, there is nothing more pitiful than a wealthy man who has focused his life on obtaining worldly fame and fortune only to find that in its pursuit he has mortally wounded his soul. When one’s sights are set on gold, and they think that this is the pinnacle of success, they have missed what God values most. Gold isn’t precious; although pretty it is transparent, and is meant to be walked on in heaven, it is worthless in comparison to the true rewards of faith. So this man is to be pitied as he works and grovels against the unrighteous nature he has entrenched himself in, and as he hopes to reconcile himself with God... that worldly nature he has espoused is hard to overcome because it is difficult to let loose of. Fame and fortune is like an addiction, and it is used by the dark one to control us.
“The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.”
Matthew 12:35 ESV
So how we humble ourselves before God, and focus upon him, determines not only how we seek our fortune, and the other things in the world, but also determines our success at becoming righteous, and obtaining the true heavenly treasure we are meant to receive. A humble man before God can’t be a proud man in the world, and a man seeking heavenly treasure has little use for what the world calls its fortune.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
Is our life truly in order? Is our every desire and goal in life aligned with God’s will for us? Have we cast aside our pride and placed Him before all else? Are all the things we call gold in our lives been made subject to God’s will for us?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who portrayed humility and meekness to the world, and taught us the righteousness of them. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who guides us as we focus our lives on you, and Allows us to remember all the things Jesus said, and gives us an understanding of your Word. Help us Father to conquer and put to death the pride that so often rules us, so that we might come before you in perfect humility, and meek in spirit. Hold out your treasure before us Lord, and say “These are the things I value!“ circumcise our hearts, and make them fertile ground for your will... never giving us more in this world than we can successfully suffer. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whom we love with all we are. Great are you who is above all, and the focus of our every thought, and the life in our every breath. We praise you for the love you give us Father, and humble ourselves before you as you whisper your will into our ear, so that we might bring it like thunder into the world. All glory is yours Heavenly Father, and we pray for the strength to bind our pride in chains of humility and meekness as we shout “All Glory Be To God! Praise Him Oh My Soul! PRAISE HIM ALL CREATION!”
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.”
Proverbs 16:18-20 ESV
Rich Forbes