Vol. 18 No. 44 | November 7, 2016
The 4th chapter of James could be summed up with his one statement in verse 10: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
It is impossible to submit to God without humbling yourself to God.
Most fights and quarrels could be solved and resolved with a good dose of humility.
Making requests to God makes much more sense when you are humbling yourself before God.
Humbling yourself before God is the only way to get rid of pride.
Submitting yourself to God requires significant humility.
Try as you will, there is no way to resist the devil successfully without first humbling yourself and admitting that you cannot do it on your own.
If you have humbled yourself before the Lord, there is no reason to slander anyone, or speak against a brother or sister, or judge your neighbor. When you engage in those activities you confirm that you have not humbled yourself before the Lord.
When you boast about what you are going to do tomorrow, and where you are going to go, and how you are going to carry on business, you are certainly not humbling yourself before the Lord.
If you are busy trying to promote yourself, elevate yourself, push your way to the top, stepping on and over people to make sure you are first in line, you are not humbling yourself.
According to James humility is a pretty important thing. Apparently some in his day did not consider it as important. Unfortunately it does not appear to be very important in our day either.
Humility has not made much of a showing in the current election. Humility rarely makes an appearance on talk shows, in sporting events, or in movie theaters. There are not many job postings that read, “We are looking for a humble servant to lead our company.”
You may have heard about the man who won the award for being the most humble employee in his company. He proudly displayed the award in the office for all to see. He did not win it the next year.
Jesus reminded us of the importance of humility. He began His sermon with “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3) Later Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)
In Philippians 2:8 Paul reminds us that not only did Jesus talk about humility, but He lived it, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Knowing Jesus so well and having watched the way He lived, it is no wonder that James emphasized the importance of humility by speaking into an apparent tense situation with, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
What are we to make of this idea of humility in these times when arrogance and pride seem to be the norm? Is it even possible for us to live a life of humility when there is so much encouragement for self-exultation and boasting? I think it is possible and here are three reasons why I believe that.
First, Jesus said this is the way to live. He would not have asked us and instructed us to live it out if it were not possible.
Second, Jesus lived it. Since Jesus lived it, I too must live it.
Third, as we become more like Him it is only natural that humility will begin to develop in us. If it is essential it is achievable.
It may not happen immediately, but maybe these practical suggestions will help getting it started.
When you feel the urge to brag about yourself, don’t.
When you have accomplished something significant, keep it to yourself.
When you have the chance to push others out of the way so you can get ahead, deny the urge.
When someone else brags on you or pays you a compliment, let them, thank them, then move on.
When you are feeling like the Lord is not acting fast enough to get you in the limelight, keep waiting and let Him do what needs to be done when He is ready.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” He will lift you up. It is not your job to do the lifting. Remember, He’s got this and He has you. So, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Tom
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.