Beyond the Weekend

December 4 | Humility

December 4, 2014

Text: 2 Chronicles 7.11-16

By his prayer, the tax collector demonstrated that the starting point of salvation—as far as a human response is concerned—is humility. Realizing his complete unworthiness and lostness because of sin, he prays accordingly. When he understood God as he really is (glorious and holy) in relationship to himself (sinful and depraved), he could pray no other way.

Scripture continually shows God honoring those who are spiritually humble. Speaking to the third king of Israel, Solomon, God promised that “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7.14).

Jesus’ half-brother James speaks to the intensity of this type of humility when he writes we should “grieve, mourn, and wail” (James 4.9), meaning we’re broken and feeling wretched because of being lost and separated from God. This type of humility means we need to admit we’re wrong: certainly to God and usually to others.

Today, review the past week and see if there’s anyone to whom you need to apologize. Take the time to do it and make sure you do it from an attitude of humility that honors God.

You Might Also Like