The Virtue of Humility

Memory Verse: "Make yourselves low in the eyes of the Lord and you will be lifted up by him." (Jms.4:10, BBE)

Scripture Reading: 1 Kgs.21:1-29.

The Bible describes humility as meekness, lowliness and absence of self. The Greek word translated "humility" in Col.3:12 and elsewhere literally means "lowliness of mind," so we see that humility is a heart attitude, not merely an outward demeanor.

From our Scripture Reading this morning, I have learnt that the easiest way to get God on your side [despite your 'evilness'] is to subscribe to the virtue of humility.

The Bible says that Ahab "did more evil in the eyes of the Lord" than any king who had served before him (1 Kgs. 16:30). According to verse 25, Ahab lived for wickedness. He could not be any other thing but wicked and it seemed inevitable that God would judge this evil king.Yet a short time later God declared that He would not bring "disaster" on Ahab. Why? Because he "humbled himself."

There is much we can learn about God, and ourselves, from this story.

First, these verses demonstrate that people can change. There is no question that Ahab deserved God's judgment for the evil he had done. But even this evil king could repent and change.

But this also demonstrates the importance of humility to God. The Bible says that He hates pride (Prov.8:13) and that "those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Matt.23:12). God so values humility that even wicked Ahab received mercy and favour when he sincerely humbled himself.

As much as He hates pride, God stands ready to grant His grace and forgive us if we humble ourselves and repent. As James wrote, God "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Jms.4:6).

We also need to be careful about being judgmental ourselves. Are there people whom you have already condemned in your heart, whom you believe God could not forgive? Have you felt that these people are so evil that they can never be redeemed? Do you feel that God cannot forgive you for something you have done? For something you have thought?

The story of Ahab is one that should inspire us to believe God can save and restore all who truly humble themselves. It is never too late with humility. And, we always should seek to stay humble, and to stay on guard against the poisoning influence of pride.

Ponder Point: "A man can counterfeit love, he can counterfeit faith, he can counterfeit hope and all the other graces, but it is very difficult to counterfeit humility." D. L. Moody

Action Point: Learn the art of humility.

Prayer Point: Father, forgive me for my pride. I humble myself before You. I go ahead and pray for persons with a hard heart: give them a heart of flesh and convict them of sin. Have mercy on them that they might be saved in Jesus name, Amen.