Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:6-7
There seems to be some confusion regarding what constitutes true humility in our culture today. Some believe that to be humble requires self-debasement and an unwillingness to try anything with the reasoning that they just aren’t good enough to do it. This my friends, is more likely an evidence of pride than humility as it could all be just fishing for compliments and attention, or just an excuse to not have to put forth any effort. We have to realize pride comes in many forms and disguises, but ultimately it is about getting our own way by some means. Pride is preoccupation with “self” that seeks to manipulate people and circumstances for one’s own interests and agenda. Humility on the other hand, does not focus on “self”, but is lost in a higher purpose of honoring God and blessing others. In humility, there is not the concern for self gain and getting one’s own way in things. Now if we are honest, this is a tricky deal as we can sometimes convince ourselves that we are trying to honor God when we really are pursuing ends of our own. How do we tell what is true humility? Ask yourself if you are willing to sacrifice your desired ends and goals if God is honored and people blessed. Can you “let go” of your agenda without any bitterness or anger if you see that God is working things out differently in His providence and sovereignty? In James 4:6-7 we are told to submit/surrender ourselves to God for His purposes to let Him decide how things are to go. The devil would have us to push and manipulate things to get “our way” in matters. We are to resist the devil by standing firm in our faith in God by yielding our will to our Lord because we belong to Jesus Christ and we love and trust Him. When we choose God’s will over our will, we are walking in humility and the devil must flee from attacking us. Why is all of this so important? The scripture tells us that God opposes/resists those who live by pride. I don’t know about you, but I personally do not want God to be against me in anything! The text goes on to say that God gives grace/favor/blessing to those who live in humility. I want all the blessing and help God can give me! The choice is ours; do we want God to favor us, or do we want to seek our own way and play into the devil’s hand. If you believe Jesus died for your sins and have trusted in Him for salvation, then you should want to please Him out of gratitude and devotion. It comes down to what we are seeking in life; our will or God’s will to be done. Choose wisely!
Pastor Gary Houdek