When it comes to humility, I have heard many define humility in terms of what it looks like, but rarely why it’s important. Last reflection (Day 7) I talked about walking in faith and how it’s not evidence that those who are lost seek, but rather the justification to live how they want.
Humility, now that’s different.
Those who are lost can’t receive the things of God because their hearts are hardened.
When we come to Christ for salvation, humility is always required. We must be aware of how much we need a savior. We must acknowledge that we have lived a life contrary to God. We must accept that we are sinners. And accept that Jesus died to atone for our sins. All which a prideful heart won’t admit or accept.
Those who are lost are unwilling to accept the good news, because truth exposes all that is done in the dark. That’s why when we are exposed to His word (especially those who confess to follow Christ), we feel condemned rather than convicted. Because prideful hearts are determined to defend their sins rather than turn away from them.
The Bible says that where there is pride, there is disorder & every evil practice. (James 3:16)
I read a quote that described humility as not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. That resonates so much truth, because in terms of value, we are the apple of His eye. A royal priesthood, made in the image of God. But in terms of holiness, righteousness or even glory, humility is recognizing that you are like filthy rags compared to God.
Humility is understanding that without the Holy Spirit & the work that Christ has done on the cross, we are His enemy. Because our sinful life is detestable to Him. Pride is what says that doesn’t sound like a God who loves everyone!? But His words & actions prove that He does, because if He didn’t why give His only Son to die in our place? Pride tells you that you haven’t done anything worthy of death, but His word proves that we are already dead & it’s only through Jesus that we can live.
It’s pride that says that we are capable of being a good person by what we do. It makes us believe that we have the right to follow our heart & do as it tells us, even though God’s word warns us that our heart is deceitful above all things & desperately wicked. (Jeremiah 17:9) And its pride that makes us believe that scripture doesn’t apply to us. How can you know the weight of your sin if you never carried it? It’s those around you who have to bear the weight of your sin. Like our children who will suffer at the expense of our “pride” because where we lead, they follow.
Humility allows us to understand that salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, but rather freedom from all the sins we have committed.
We don’t need proof that we are sinners, the chaos and disorder in our lives, and how we live proves we are. We don’t need proof, we need humility. Because if you’re not truly sorry for how you live, how can you truly be forgiven? Being sorry for your actions with no change, is just remorse. That is like a thief who is only sorry for getting caught. They don’t understand that being a thief is morally wrong. Pride is what shows up when they justify why they steal, rather than the humility that is needed to accept that it’s wrong and turn from it.
The conviction that leads to repentance is proof of your salvation, which can only be confirmed by the Holy Spirit. The need to defend a lifestyle that is contradictory to His word is just proof of your pride, not proof that you’re justified.
Lord open our eyes & soften our heart, so that we can come to know you.
Sinners4christ 
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