Scripture
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
Observation
All I can think of is the tortoise and the hare. Tortoise wins the race cause the hare was too proud. The hare lost because he thought he was all that, smart enough, fast enough, fill in the blank enough.
At the Pharisee’s house Jesus schools the so-called experts on how to live. After noticing how they all were jockeying for position, He tells the room full of “hares” a parable and teaches specifically on pride and humility.
Application
I don’t think I’m prideful, but, I do think my humility can always use a recalibration. While I don’t go around boasting about my few successes, I do strive and push to ensure future success. Is that prideful? Am I making the same silly mistake the guests at the Pharisee’s house made? The mistake of exalting my pride instead of accepting my humility?
Instead of focusing on my pride, I’m better off paying attention to my humility. The best way to break my pride is to build my humility. While I claim and commit to do my absolute best, absolutely all of the time, in honor of the absolute God, who has given me His absolute best, my heart is fragile enough to be deceived into believing that it’s all me. That success is through my power and commitment rather than God’s presence and commitment to me. That my hard work did this rather than God’s handiwork. That my sweat accomplished the victory rather than His blood. Yes, my heart and mind can wander quickly into pride.
So many great sayings and axioms on pride, but my charge and challenge today is pay attention to what the Word of God says about humility:
To humble myself before God’s might Hand – 1 Peter 5:6
In humility, value others above myself – Philipians 2:3
Be humble and gentle, bearing other’s in love – Ephesians 4:23
Remember that humility comes before honor – Proverbs 18:12
In order to fully break my pride all I need to do is remember my place in God’s kingdom as called, as chosen, as forgiven. In doing so I elevate my status to eternal instead of settling for a position that is fleeting.
Prayer
Jesus, You are the only worthy one. I’m completely humbled by your mercy and grace. My only sense of pride is that You call me friend. I fix my eyes on Your will, focus my heart on Your glory, and set my hope on You and You alone.
