July 27, 2023
The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life. (Proverbs 22:4)
The world is filled with sinfully proud people. We’re all proud. This is tragic, for pride is the mother of all sin, and the explanation for everything evil in this world.
We want to be known, applauded, first, recognized. Pride causes us to lean on our own humanity, not God. A clear indication of our pride is how little we pray. If we don’t really turn to God, it’s a clear indication we think we can handle life on our own.
A STUNNING DIFFERENCE
This is what makes a humble man or woman so endearing and beautiful. There is a kindness in their eyes and a carefulness in their speech. There is the constant recognition that they don’t know everything and that they need God and others. And, when helped, they’re glad to give the credit to others.
The foundation for this humility is something you might not expect: the fear of the Lord. This is not a cringing fear, but a reverence, awe, understanding, recognition of who God is and who we are, and understanding the difference. A humble man acknowledges God in all his ways and turns to Him with gratefulness constantly.
A GLORIOUS REWARD
Most people think they will receive less and even be trampled upon if they are humble. Humility is not being a doormat. In fact, the humble are the most muscular men and women, for they care not what others think and are willing to obey God fully and proclaim Him loudly. They have found the path of life and their right spiritual posture, so they need not strut or cower.
God rewards the humble. “Riches, honor, and life” are promised by the God-of-All. This is not our Americanized view though. The Proverbs writer is not speaking necessarily of material possessions (although He promises to meet a humble, dependent man’s needs).
But how rich is a man who ...
If you want to grow in humility, pursue God. For as you see Him, you will see yourself rightfully and your life will carry the blessed fragrance of humility.
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If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
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I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
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The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
