“Humility precedes Honor”
Thank you for joining me as we continue our study on humility. Before we look at today’s scripture, I need to apologize. My wife, Tammy, informed me yesterday that I shared the wrong scripture. So if you were a little confused reading yesterday’s devotion, sorry. With that said we will look at yesterday’s scripture today.
We will remain in the Book of Proverbs. As you can see the Book of Proverbs or as some call it the Book of Wisdom has a lot to say about humility. Today’s title, “humility precedes honor” may not be the most popular subject. Unfortunately as humans we want honor without the humility. We tend to believe humility is weakness or an act of surrender. But humility is the act of seeing and evaluating ourselves in the eyes of God our Creator. Who does God see and say we are?
In today’s scripture the writer of Proverbs gives us some valuable lessons. My friends, if you are reading this and you want to glorify God you must be willing to let God transform the way you think.
Proverbs 15:31-33
If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. 33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
The writer begins, if you listen to constructive criticism you will be at home with the wise. There are two kinds of criticism, one will tear you down but the other builds you up. Constructive criticism is meant to build up an individual, it is for the purpose of helping. I want to be open with all of you, I struggle receiving criticism. I am much better than I used to be but it is an area I need to humble myself. I hate to admit that struggling with receiving constructive criticism is directly related to pride. The writer also tells us when we reject discipline it only hurts ourselves. Again discipline’s purpose is to teach, build up and to make better. It helps us to grow in our understanding.
Jesus taught us, if you want to save your life lose it. What He was teaching was the willingness to humble ourselves under His mighty power. I remember many years ago in our Men’s group an individual said these words, “Your ego is not your amigo!” What a true and powerful statement. If we want to glorify God we must be willing to humble ourselves and walk in is Spirit not our flesh. As we do, honor will naturally come because God promised it.
I believe a good word for us today is found in Romans 12:4, Don’t think you are better than you really are. Remember the words of Job and let’s personalize them. WE ALL came into this world naked and WE ALL will leave this world naked. WE ALL live and breathe by the grace of Almighty God.
Therefore give thanks to the Lord for He is GREAT!
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