James 4:6(KJV)
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Our anchor Scripture serves as a reminder that God opposes the proud but extends grace to the humble. Pride is the most dangerous and destructive character trait anyone can possess. It is the foundation for destruction. Pride can destroy our lives much the same way incurable cancer can invade and attack a physical body. Just as cancer destroys the human body, pride destroys our destiny. It is a prime factor in the abortion of our future (Isaiah 14:12-15). It is vital to know that satan, being envious of our glorious position in Christ, is working every day to ensure we lose it. Being with God in Heaven and having lost his place through pride, he works every day to make us also lose our place with God in Heaven through the weapon of pride. Christians, young and old, saint or not, have to keep a sharp eye on this negative quality. This cancerous, lethal, and destructive quality has brought down many kingdoms, toppled many empires, caused many wars, destroyed many marriages, and ruined many friendships.
Humility is the pull of grace, and grace is the door to simplicity. That is, the humble are effortless beneficiaries of the grace of God. In other words, where humility starts, grace also begins. Humility is also total and complete dependence on God. It is trusting in God and not in ourselves. To be humble is to recognize that the ways and thoughts of God are higher above our own. In other words, it takes humility to learn and apply ourselves to our potential. In Matthew 18:4, Jesus said, “Therefore anyone who humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” We must lay down our self-will and humble ourselves to become a servant of all. In humility, we submit to one another out of genuine love and affection. We put aside our personal preferences to pursue the power of peace and prioritize the cause of Christ rather than insisting on having it our way. Romans 12:3 says, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Humility puts us ahead. It does not reduce us, but it increases us. 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time.” Many are stagnant right now because instead of humbling themselves, they are full of themselves. However, in humility, we receive all good things that will fulfill our lives as Christians.
Beloved, be clothed with humility. No matter how loaded, you don’t have a future if you walk in pride. Don’t overestimate yourself or make yourself god on earth! It was pride that caused the fall of Lucifer, and he became satan, the devil. Pride led king Saul down to a shameful and untimely death. Don’t put yourself in a position where God has to resist you, for God resists the proud and favors the humble. Don’t become a legend in your mind. Instead, humble yourself beneath the mighty Hand of God, and let God do the exalting that prevents some very painful falls. Don’t come to God based on your effort, nor come before Him stating all your credentials. That is pride. Let go of yourself and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Keep a watch on yourself, and when you catch yourself getting puffed up with your greatness, repent and remember that every good thing you enjoy and every bit of success you’ve had has come by the Grace of God and His Power. Remember, God will assist everyone and give more grace to the humble, but He resists the proud. If the devil holds out against you, God will help or assist you. But if God resists you, who can rescue you?
O LORD, deliver me from every form of pride and help me to live a life of humility in Jesus’ Name.