February 26, 2011

Read Daniel 4. James 4:1-10

Our God can humble even the hardest of hearts. Think back to Pharaoh in the book of Exodus as the great king battled the God of the Hebrews. Through 10 mighty plagues Pharaoh was completely humbled.  The nations that pitted themselves against the Israelite army were humbled by defeat. Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by being thrown out with the animals and spending a season with them as a ‘animal’.  Saul, the proud and arrogant Pharisee, was humbled by his meeting with Jesus on the Damascus road. God, our God, can humble the hardest of hearts.

Our God loves humility, true deep humility that comes from a pure heart. True humility cannot be feigned or acted out. It flows outward from an inner condition. Any other kind of humility is 10% hum and 90% bull!  True humility stands out for Jesus. True humility draws others to Christ.

What does true humility look like? True humility feeds the poor and needy without pomp and ceremony. True humility cleans up after others. It sits by the sick bed and intercedes for the sick and dying. True humility washes the dirty feet of others and allows others to go in front. True humility denies oneself for the sake of others. True humility reaches out in love, compassion and practical love. What does a humble church gathering look like? What services does a humble church provide? How does a humble church reach into the community?

Humility, inner humility begins with seeing ourselves as we really are and seeing our God as He really is.  False pretences and wrong teaching lead only to pride. To grow in humility, spend time with God each and every single day and make a point of confessing your sins. Spend time in adoration and praise, worshiping God for who he is and his qualities. As you focus on God, humility will well up within you. It’s hard to proud when you see God for who he is and what he’s done! It’s easy to be humble when you are in a deep and passionate relationship with God.

Prayer:

þ Pray that God would grow your church to be a humble church that powerfully shines the light of Jesus to the world. Pray that each and every person in your church would humbly submit to the Word and live in obedience to it day by day. Pray that God would work powerfully among your gathered congregation tomorrow.

þ Pray that you personally would grow in humility as your own relationship with God increases and deepens. Pray that  you would have opportunity to serve others.