Humility Has An Expiration Date

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 15, 2019

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble”. 1 Peter 5:5

Humility has an expiration date. For me its effectiveness runs out many times in 24 hours, other times 24 minutes and sometimes as soon as 24 seconds! And the scary thing is once humility has expired I am vulnerable to pride’s power. In my own strength I cannot fight off sin’s control that incubates in my proud heart–a humble heart is my best resource to resist pride’s ugly influence. Pretense, anger and fear all clamor to bear the bad fruit of pride–while honesty, healing and love is the beautiful fruit of humility. How can a heart’s humility be refreshed before it expires?

Peter uses the very practical example of our daily, sometimes multiple times daily, changing of clothes. Christians are commanded by Christ to clothe ourselves with humility. We put off pride and put on humility. Off goes the ugly, soiled undergarment of a proud heart which is then replaced with the Spandex of a selfless heart toward others and a submitted heart to God. Peter is very clear, pride invites opposition from the Almighty, while humility facilities our heavenly Father’s favor. Each morning, before we engage the world–we ask the Spirit, “How does my heart look”?

“Remember this: If you have a lofty opinion of yourself and seek to be honored, you will be humbled. But if you have a modest opinion of yourself and choose to humble yourself, you will be honored” (Matthew 23:12, TPT).

Here are some helpful questions for us to ask our souls to discern if humility is close to expiration:

• Do I expect others to serve me or am I seeking to serve others?
• Am I easily hurt or offended or am I slow to become angry and quick to forgive?
• Do I listen to others with empathy and kindness or am I directive and impatient?  
• Do I recognize a tear in every heart and first offer comfort or solutions and a pep talk?
• Do I embrace another’s success or am I driven to succeed no matter the relational cost?
• Do I think of myself less and more of the Lord and others?
• Can I rest and not strive or do I have to be in control?

Ultimately, our humble Savior Jesus is the source and strength found in humility. “In Christ” we are humble, because Jesus is humble. By faith, we humble ourselves and “yoke up” with our Lord to learn of His humble, gentle ways. Gratefully, God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect will. The void left by humility’s expiration is quickly filled by pride, so stay refreshed!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, by faith I humble my heart and yoke up with your gentle and loving heart, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Application

What area of my life do I seek to control, and how can I trust God instead?

Related Reading

Numbers 12:3; 2 Samuel 22:28; Ephesians 4:2; James 4:10

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Gratefully, God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect will. #wisdomhunters #humilityexpires

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