First of all, let me be clear...I have not finished learning how to be humble in every area of life. I think this is a constant learning process, one that will reach completion only when we enter into the joy of the Lord. Until then, we are stuck with our prideful self that can show it's ugly head at the most inopportune times.
I have witnessed true humility. I have seen men give the most outstanding sermons and not even realize the words they were speaking into people's lives. I have heard the most wonderful music played that touched the hearts of thousands and the composer not even know what he had done. There are those with a true gift to humility, and there are those who possess a humility that comes from thinking less of themselves.
The Bible says that we must humble ourselves so the Lord may lift us up. God receives the glory when you are lifted up! Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." As we are humble, God will put good works before us. The apostle Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." You and I were created for good works! We are supposed to be doing good works, but for God to get the glory. Not for us to have a false sense of humility, but to truly give God the credit.
When it is all finished, we will see that it was God who gave us the good works to do, it was God who gave us the grace and strength to do the good works and it was God who rewarded us for doing them. So where does that leave us in the equation? Faith. We are to have faith in God for our salvation, our sanctification and our glorification. Hebrews 11:6 says "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." How do we please God...trust in Him. Have faith that in due time you will be lifted up...by God.
It is okay to be lifted up, when it is on God's terms. I have seen men become powerful and popular Christians only to fall down when they realized they were standing on the pedestal made with hands of man. On the contrary, there are Godly, meek men whom God has placed in this world to be our examples. Men who take praise and reflect it to where it belongs...God.
Don't beat yourself up, God isn't. Stand strong knowing that God has great things for you when you become His child. If all else fails, start by cleaning the toilets. Many godly men have spent years on their knees scrubbing up after people. No job is beneath you, Jesus came to serve, so shall we.
Grace and Peace,
Bob Scott
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