18/07/2019
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and
life.
[ Proverbs 22:4 ]
Think of Yourself Less
od hates arrogance. He hates to see his children fall. God hates what pride
does to his children. He doesn’t dislike arrogance. He hates it. Could he state
it any clearer than Proverbs 8:13: “I hate pride and arrogance” (NIV)? And then
a few chapters later: “GOD can’t stomach arrogance or pretense; believe me,
he’ll put those upstarts in their place” (16:5 MSG).
You don’t want God to do that. It’s far wiser to climb down the mountain
than to fall from it.
Pursue humility. Humility doesn’t mean you think less of yourself but that
you think of yourself less. “Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your
importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the
faith that God has given to you” (Romans 12:3 PHILLIPS).
Resist the place of celebrity. “Go sit in a seat that is not important. When the
host comes to you, he may say, ‘Friend, move up here to a more important
place.’ Then all the other guests will respect you” (Luke 14:10 NCV).
Wouldn’t you rather be invited up than put down?
ONE MORE THOUGHT
Humility. Think of yourself less. When you’re blessed with a pile of birthday
presents, remember those who aren’t. When you earn a spot on the varsity team,
comfort those who tried and fell short. God hates pride, but he loves the humble.
