Grow in Humility (Daily Encouragement)
“There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way to death.” – Proverbs 14:12
The challenge of pride is that we don’t see it in ourselves. Proverbs 16:2 says “all the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes”. We do what we do and think it is normal and right (even if it’s wrong, we justify it for a myriad of reasons.) Often our own pride leads us “toward death that feels like life”. Proverbs 14:12 says “There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way to death.” The subtleness of pride is why we need on-going avenues that are “outside” of ourselves which help us turn from it and grow in humility. This leads to true life:
Revere God’s word – We need to submit to God and his word as the ultimate authority. Doing so brings life, despises brings destruction. Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. – Proverbs 13:13
Listen to correction – We don’t like to be corrected. But we need it – we need to humble ourselves and ask others: “Help me see myself. How can I improve?” Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence – Proverbs 15:31
Repent – The scriptures call us to confess AND forsake sin – We need to listen to correction (from God’s word, the Holy Spirit, others) and turn from sin. It is there that we experience mercy and flourish. Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. – Proverbs 28:13
Serve – Serving is the posture of humility. When have a posture of service, there is no room for pride or worrying about our position. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45
We have seen that humility is a key to the Christian life. There is an ongoing call to humble ourselves in order to from “death” and experience true “life”.