Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 17, 2011
“You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.” Psalm 18:27
Humility is the doorway to God’s salvation. It is an entrance into an exciting life with the Lord. God saves the humble, but brings low the haughty. He lifts up the humble in heart, and brings down the haughty. A haughty look may be masked for a while but eventually it comes out. The face is a direct reflection of the heart. Our countenance can be hard and uninviting or it can be soft and accepting.
The haughty find it hard to take responsibility for their ill will and anger. They blame others while becoming victims of their own pride. Haughty eyes have blurred the vision of God and shies away from serving people. It is all about “what’s in it for me?” It stiff-arms our Savior. The eyes of the haughty are cold, callous, and distant. The haughty are consumed with themselves and have but a faint remembrance of Christ. They don’t remember what they wish to forget. Haughtiness forgets humility. However, this comes back to haunt the haughty.
Humility, on the other hand, woos the blessings of God. It has bountiful benefits. God’s presence permeates an environment of humility. It is an atmosphere of humility that engages the Almighty. The Lord looks out for the family members or work associates who value humility. He saves them from unwise decision-making and irresponsible living. He saves them from themselves.
Humility also encourages honesty. It encourages honesty about our dreams and disappointments. It recognizes the tremendous need for God to consummate the vision, and as we depend on God, we see Him work. Humility also learns how to process disappointments. There is an acknowledgement of anger and the need for healing. God saves the humble from bitterness and replaces it with brokenness.
Humility benefits relationships. It is a lubricant for love and the fuel of forgiveness. A humble heart helps husbands and wives learn how to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It cultivates appreciation of each other’s differences and spurns irritation. It checks our conversations before we position ourselves for a win/lose dialogue. Humility first understands and then seeks to be understood. Humility is a prerequisite for relational success. It deflates pride and inflates patience. Humility is quick to honor and slow to blame. It keeps us in the good graces of God and people.
Run from false humility formed out of fear, deception, and pride. Instead, cultivate authentic humility through prayer, honesty, and community. Surrender daily to your Savior with a sense of overwhelming dependence on Him. We are to submit on our knees so He doesn’t have to bring us to our knees. Humility is conceived in an honest heart—one that understands its limitations. It is comfortable with its strengths and its weaknesses, and not afraid to speak up and show its emotions.
Humility is best harnessed among a Christ-centered community. Let people you respect into your life. Otherwise, “a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20b). Haughtiness is hurtful. Humility is beneficial, so sign up for its benefits. The Bible says, “You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low” (2 Samuel 22:28).
Taken from the December 23rd reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God” ”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE
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The face is a direct reflection of the heart. Our countenance can be hard and uninviting or it can be soft and accepting. #humility
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