F A T H E R SSample

-Humbleness-

In today’s narcissistic culture, overflowing with greed, envy, vanity, and social media facades, it can be easy to fall into the belief system that self-worth is determined by the materialistic things we have or worldly success we’ve achieved. These are only a few examples of how the world has switched the price tags of what is priceless, unparalleled and invaluable (our salvation through the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ) and replaced it with worldly things that have zero eternal value. These insecurities come from pride, which is the exact opposite of humbleness. Pride is at the heart of sin, and even though some people think God doesn’t have emotions, I’d venture to say that God hates pride (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5); especially since it’s what’s found in the roots of the sin that separated us from Him. Why is pride at the root of sin? Because when we sin, we choose ourselves and the world over God. We choose to meet our own selfish desires instead of, in faithful obedience, trusting God to meet our needs. It’s like throwing faith out of the window, putting God in the trunk and telling Him, "I know you’re omniscient and you know everything, including what I can’t see and what’s best for me, but I know more so let me drive." Sounds foolish, right? But that’s exactly what we do when we rely on our own insufficient knowledge instead of Gods sovereign, sufficient, inexhaustible wisdom. Scripture tells us that, although we are in the world, to not conform to the world. The second part of the verse is what sticks out to me the most because it says, “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.” Living in a manner that is humble is the only way to apply the truth of God’s word to our lives. God doesn’t merely want behavioral modification from us but full-on spiritual transformation through the renewal of our minds. Pride will block the essential part of mind-renewing that flows directly into transformation, because pride tells us we know what’s best and we know a better way. But our way instead of THE WAY always leads to decay, or worse yet, a dead-end littered with sin, regret and poor decisions. Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” In knowing that destruction (death) or a fall (sin) is the end result of pride, we should graciously pray that God would help us remember to humble ourselves before we start each day. 

*Self-assessment:

In what areas of your life do you see a spirit of arrogance or pride creep in? Make sure you don’t sweep it under the rug; identify it, repent and allow God’s word to renew your mind and transform you into the humble servant Jesus exemplified.