Devotion for August 27, 2008

A Call to Humility

“Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2 NKJV).

There is a great evil at work today. That work seeks to rob believers of their spiritual power and blessings. It is vanity and pride.

It is not good for any person or organization to speak of its own accomplishments. My dear friends it is critical for you to speak the truth in your heart. Pride is like a narcotic that dulls the senses. Speak well of yourself long enough, and you will believe your own propaganda. Exalt yourself over your neighbor long enough and you will think you have the right to speak evil of them. Tell yourself you have no sin, and sin will consume you.

Many churches unwittingly undermine the spirit of humility. This is done by constantly lifting one church over another, or proclaiming the greatness of its accomplishments. This is insanity for nothing has been accomplished for the kingdom of God without God’s hand. This is also insane because, “Pride [goes] before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

Why suffer the chastening hand of the Lord? Give the glory to God for He will not give His glory to another (Isa. 48:11). “. . . Be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7 NKJV).