WEEK 16 – DAY 5

HUMBLE YOURSELF

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled (ranked below others who are honored or rewarded), and he who humbles himself (keeps a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly) will be exalted (elevated in rank). Luke 14:11 (AMPC)

What does it mean to “humble” yourself? Does it mean that you talk down about yourself to others or downplay your God-given gifts? Certainly not! God says we are “. . . My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure)” (Malachi 3:17 AMPC). He also tells us we are “. . . a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). That verse contains the key—glorifying God! We humble ourselves by remembering to give the Lord the credit and the praise for any goodness in our character, any achievement we attain, everything that would cause people to praise us. We turn that praise heavenward giving the glory to God. How else do we humble ourselves? We assume, as Jesus did, the position of a servant (Philippians 2:7). In fact, Jesus declared servanthood to be the key to leadership: Mark 9:35, “And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” The Lord Jesus humbled Himself to become like those He created. The Creator and King of the universe came specifically to serve others, even to the point of dying for us. I am to emulate Christ. Therefore, I must humble myself to serve. Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Humility consists of these things: 1) having a realistic view of yourself, 2) choosing the lowest place, 3) serving others, and 4) giving God all the praise for your achievements.

Father, as we seek to serve You, help us to be humble in order to give You all the glory because without You, we can do nothing (John 15:5).