“A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23)
Have you heard the biblical story of the Good Samaritan? In that story he, unlike others who had an opportunity to help, he demonstrated compassion for a man who had become the victim of a vicious attack by robbers. The Good Samaritan bandaged up the man’s wounds, brought him to an inn, and took care of him (see Luke 10:30-35). But what about the man he helped? What if this man, who had been left for dead, refused the help of the Good Samaritan because of pride? Where might his pride have left him? Alone? Dying on the side of the road? Wouldn’t he have missed out on his blessing from God?
We all experience hard times. They’re a part of life. And when those times come and we’re hurting, there are people who will come alongside us, to help in any way possible to ease the pain or just give good advice. It is God at work through the kindness and generosity of others—like the Good Samaritan. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father …” (James 1:17).
Still we often have these thoughts. “But I don’t want people to think I’m poor! I had a job before all of this!” Or, “I don’t want people feeling sorry for me!”
Eventhough this kind of pride is natural, however it biblically is wrong. “… For God gives special blessings to those who are humble, but sets himself against those who are proud” (1 Peter 5:5)
Don’t allow pride to keep you from accepting kindness from others, graciously, and with a thankful heart. That’s what the Christian community is really all about—helping, encouraging, and building up one another. So turn aside pride today! “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10)
Takecback your life
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” In what ways have people encouraged you, or built you up during this difficult time?
- If you have received help from others with a bitter heart because of a pride, ask God’s forgiveness. Then ask Him to give you a humble heart, and an attitude of gratitude for the wonderful ways in which He has met your needs through the generosity of others.
- Make a special effort today to tell someone “Thank you,” when they share God’s gift of kindness and goodwill with you. You can say it to the volunteer serving your next meal, to one of the workers in the shelter where you’re staying, to the people who have come to bring food, clothing, or other supplies, to the person who has come to express their condolences, or to the family who has opened their home to you. It’s a great way to bless them as they seek to bless you.
Prayer
Father God, far too often we are influenced by what others think of us. We are always pretending to be either richer or smarter or nicer than we really are. Please prevent us from trying to attract attention. Don’t let us gloat over praise on one hand or be discouraged by criticism on the other. Nor let us waste time weaving imaginary situations in which the most heroic, charming, witty person present is ourselves. Show us how to be humble of heart, like you. Amen.
Rob Lavallee
Scriptural Seeds Ministries
Scriptural Seeds 