Humility

After taking a break for the summer, it's good to be writing again!

Today, I felt like the Lord wanted me to share on HUMILITY.

Have you ever received a big promotion at work or achieved a goal, and wanted praise for it? Maybe you found yourself bragging to a friend? We all desire approval and want to feel accomplished. The key is to know who gave you the ability and talent in the first pace. Yes, you worked hard and earned it. You were diligent and faithful, but the honor and credit for your abilities is first and foremost, your Heavenly Father. This is something we all deal with. Especially if things seem to be going our way. The enemy will take any chance he can to let pride slip in and steal your joy. After a victory, it's important to step back and seek the Lord immediately for your next steps. Don't give an opportunity to pride. Remain in humility.

Jesus is our example of what it means to walk in humility. Watch how he handles the following situations:

Luke 5:13-16 13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

14 Then Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone what had happened. He said, “Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy.c This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” 15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases.

16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Mathew 14:17-22 17“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. 18“Bring them here,” he said.

19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.

20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.

21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.

23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

If you notice, after each of these miracles, Jesus immediately slipped away to pray and seek God. He did this to replenish himself and remain humble. He always gave God the glory and not himself. That's exactly how it should be with us. Everything should always go back to the Father!

HUMILITY IN WEALTH

One example the Bible gives multiple times about walking in humility, has to do with wealth. All too often, people become enticed by the riches of this world and pride separates them from seeking God and the Kingdom of Heaven, first in their lives. Take a look at what Jesus says about the Rich Young Ruler:

Mark 10:17-27

The Rich Young Ruler

17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.

19 You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”

20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.”

21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”

24 The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and *said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 They were even more astonished and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?”

27 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

For a short period of time, money can buy a form of happiness: trips to exotic places, big houses, expensive cars, etc. However, money will never be able to bring about the unspeakable joy of the Lord! Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a sin to be wealthy. I'm also not saying that God is going to ask you to sell everything you own! However, if your life revolves around money, vacations and social status - something is definitely wrong with your thinking. Anytime we neglect our relationship with our Heavenly Father, we are in error.

If the Kingdom of Heaven isn't our first priority, then we have missed our true calling here on earth. That's not to say we can't enjoy our success. God wants us to live an abundant life, full of favor and joy! We just can't lose sight of who made it all possible. Each of us have gifts and abilities specific to our callings. When we are obedient, God opens the door for us to achieve the dreams He placed in our hearts. If we allow pride to step in, and we take the glory and honor for ourselves, then we are in danger of losing a lot more than our money.

STAY IN PRAYER

A key to staying humble is remaining in prayer. Constant communication with the Father is like having a direct line to what it means to walk uprightly and confidently in Him. Pray about EVERYTHING! When you get a promotion, praise God for it! Thank him for the opportunity! If you achieve a long awaited goal, take a moment to thank the Lord for giving you the strength to finish. In conclusion, enjoy your victories, but make sure to give God all the glory, remain in humility and pray about everything!

PRAYER

Father, help me to walk humbly before you. I recognize that I have allowed pride to step in and separate me from You. I choose now to repent, and move forward in You. Show me how to rejoice in You when I have victories and to recognize when I am walking in pride. I choose to keep eyes on the true prize, which is a relationship with You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen