“Humility vs. Pride”...the Wayfarer 1/5/14

“Humility vs. Pride”

1/5/14

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in heaven.”

(Matthew 18:4)

“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

(Proverbs 16:18)

Today we once again examine and “try” spirits that are common among all of us, one that should be common to us, and one to spurn and discard when it appears.

The first is humility, another of the virtues that I personally strive for, and pray for daily.

The second is the pride that would destroy all that I breathe for and believe with all my heart!

“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.”

(Proverbs 15:33)   

“The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow”

(Proverbs 15:25)

These two verses, again, show a stark contrast to these two spirits which I address.

Humility is not much sought after by our kind.

 It is found lacking in our society from the lowliest of common worker, to the leadership elected to guide that society.

It is difficult to remember how small we are in the eyes of God, and how inept we are without His guiding hand to support and sustain us throughout our daily lives when we attempt to focus only on our own accomplishments, not even pausing to think to give credit to the One truly responsible for those accomplishments.

This in turn leads to an attempt to “go it alone” without the guidance and assistance that is available.

It is a treacherous and dangerous course to follow, and can only lead to the results mentioned in that 25^th verse quoted.

“But be ye not called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ.

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall jumble himself shall be exalted.”

(Matthew 23:8-12)

“For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

He keepeth back his soul form the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.”

(Job 33:14-18)

Yet again we find the stark differentiation between these two warring spirits, and far different expectations to be had dependent upon which one comes to the fore in our lives.

Those seeking the exaltation and honor that comes through the love of our Lord must first prove worthy of any exaltation or honor through service. That service requires the knowledge and practice of humility in all we say and do.

Degrees from universities and colleges, titles, ranks, or place of leadership, be it king, or president, have no meaning when we come to the point in time that we face the only one worthy of the glory sought by mankind.

Service given only for the accolades and admiration of others is meaningless as well. The rewards of that, “service”, are temporary at best, and are soon forgotten by those giving that admiration, particularly if a later mistake is made, or if the deception to get them comes to light.

The voice that needs to be heard is that of God himself.

Despite the patience He continually exhibits, that patience extends only so far and no farther and once exhausted is impossible to recover.

Note that we are told that by removing pride form our repertoire of spirits, our very soul is kept from the pit!

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver or gold.

The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.

 A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

 By humility and fear of the Lord are riches, and honor and life.”

(Proverbs 22:1-4)

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth hearts.

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

An high look and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked is sin.

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

The way of man is forward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.”

(Proverbs 21:2-8)

Humility and the fear of God provide the means and path to the service required to reap the true rewards and blessings intended for each of us.

It is only through that humility that our efforts can be acceptable, and truly fruitful.

Each and every one of us is subject to thinking that we know what is best for us, and the way to attain all we wish for in life.

This type of thinking leads into chasing the wants and ignoring the needs of the soul as they are acquired. It leads to an egalitarian ego that refuses to accept that we do not always comprehend what is best or God’s true plan for us.

Being diligent in our service brings the rewards, not only of the needs, but also rewards of things not even sought originally, given though the magnanimity of a loving God!

Far too often in our society, from the pedestals on which our leaders place themselves, to the everyday dealings in the market place, lies are used to achieve the goals of those seeking glory and wealth for themselves.

These lies are often accepted by those who would rather be blind to them than to combat them and replace the promises with the reality of what is truly beneficial to both body and soul.

In conclusion, there are two warring spirits available to choose to allow in guiding our path through life.

It is a choice that must, once more be made by each individual for their own lives….and a choice to be made by nations if we are to succeed in the cohabitation of this small ball of dirt given to us by God.

It is a choice difficult to make only if YOU make it difficult!

It is a choice that must be made in the realization that who you are, and what you may expect from this life, as well as that to come, depends solely on which of these spirits is chosen.

Once more the words of both John the Baptist, and my Savior, Jesus himself echo giving guidance to those willing to hear them:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

I close for now praying to constantly overcome the inherent pride that would invade my mind ,and more importantly soul, should I allow it to, and for the humility to remember that I am, still and will always be, only that same simple sinner saved by grace through faith in my Lord through His sacrifice for me. An always unworthy soldier attempting to serve to the best of my human ability, until that unworthiness is replaced through the auspices of the only One who can make me worthy, when I stand with Him beside me as Intercessor at a Throne of Grace.

2 Timothy 1:12 King James Version (KJV)

¹² For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Amen and Amen
the Wayfarer