“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6 1 Peter 5:5 Proverbs 3:34
Humble – modest, not proud or arrogant Dictionary.com
Humility – the quality of having a modest estimation of one’s own importance Dictionary.com
“My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! ‘I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.’” – Isaiah 66:2
Clear picture of who God is, and who we are.
“Scary thought: It’s possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves.” – C. J. Mahaney
“At every stage of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.” – John Stott “it is the essence of all sin,” – John Stott
“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.” – Proverbs 16:18-20
“Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” – Mark 9:35
Practical Suggestions (to weaken pride and cultivate humility) – C. J. Mahaney
Begin Each Day:
- Reflect on the Wonder of the Cross (Freedom Book: so in love with Jesus as to leave no room for ___ selfishness)
- Acknowledging Your Need for God
“Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?” – Martyn Lloyd-Jones Spiritual Depression
- Expressing Gratitude to God
- Practice Spiritual Disciplines (prayer, study/memorize God’s Word, worship)
- Casting Your Cares Upon Him
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7
As Each Day Ends: – C. J. Mahaney
- Avoiding Cosmic Plagiarism
“We must hide ourselves under the veil of humility, and transfer the glory of all we have done to God.” – Thomas Watson
- A Daily Reminder from God
Accept sleep as a gift from God. Embrace your limitations. Trust God. God is sustaining you. Laugh!
“Laughter is a divine gift to the human who is humble. A proud man cannot laugh because he must watch his dignity; he cannot give himself over to the rocking and rolling of his belly. But a poor and happy man laughs heartily because he gives no serious attention to his ego.” – Terry Lindvall Surprised by Laughter: The Comic World of C. S. Lewis