He gives grace to the humble. Proverbs 3:34 b
But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6
Humility is the prerequisite quality of a Christian. Does it mean that he should look poor, disheveled and needy before others, though he can put up a decent appearance. Not at all. That is false humility or a pretense of it. Humility is an attitude and a mental attribute of accepting the sovereignty of God and walking in submission to His love and directions; according to His precepts and will. Walking with God is inclusive of love and respect for others, as they are His children. That’s the reason the Bible exhorts us to submit to each other in Godly love.
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6
The first sin was pride which happened in heaven.
You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. Ezekiel 28:14-17
Beware of pride.
Pride goes before a fall.
David was called a man according to God’s own heart. God called him so. God knew him as one who is humble before God.
After removing Saul, He made David the king of Israel.. God testified concerning him:
‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Acts 13:22
David had a heart for God. He had human weaknesses. But he loved God and trusted Him. Whenever he realised his mistakes and sin he sincerely repented and cried out for forgiveness.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalms 51:17
This realization is great in his relationship with God. David was king and had authority. But he was not arrogant. He gave due respect to King Saul as he was the anointed of the Lord. Even when Shimei uttered reproachful words against David he didn’t strike back telling that the Lord had allowed it.
In Luke 18 we come across two people, a Pharisee and a tax collector who came to the temple to pray. Pharisee appreciated his own position and self-righteousness and assessed himself superior to the tax collector. But the tax collector humbled himself before the Lord and cried out for mercy.
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
Let’s see what st. James says
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (6-7)
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.(10)
James 4:6-7, 10
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 23:11-12
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:14-17
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
Who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:21
Prayer
Loving heavenly Father, we are sorry for being arrogant and proud at times. Help us to come closer to You Lord with a broken and contrite heart. Forgive us Lord for forgetting Your sovereignty and our helplessness. Let us be always thankful for your support and provisions in spite of our lack of gratitude.
Sol.Salomi Kurian