Devotion for October 8, 2008

The Qualifications of a Witness—Humility

For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy [place], With him [who] has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’ (Isaiah 57:15 NKJV)

Before . . . honor is humility (Proverbs 18:12 NKJV)

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4 NKJV)

Everyone should know that God will not share His glory with anyone else (Isa. 42:8). Why would He use a man of pride to save souls? Oh sure He can use anyone. Even Pharaoh was raised up that God’s power might be made manifest (Rom 9:17). Still it does not seem to be the norm, nor does Scripture seem to support this as seen above.

When God looks upon your life does He see a glory-stealer or a servant? Are you the kind of person who can be used of God and not fall into pride? This serious question must be answered. Remember how Paul was given a thorn in his flesh to buffet him (2 Cor. 12:7)? God knew Paul’s revelations would puff him up otherwise.

What would become of you should God use you mightily? Is it possible that this is the greatest hindrance to God? How can a person be truly humble?

The only way to be truly humble is to compare your life to God’s Son, looking into the perfect law of liberty, and seeing what manner of man you are (James 1:23-25). The illustration is wonderfully accurate. Don’t you see how flawed you are in the morning as you prepare for the day? However, just a few steps from the mirror; and you’re not quite so overweight, you’re not so bald, you’re not as grey, and you get the picture.

Friends, when compared to Christ even believers are exceedingly sinful. Yes, believers are forgiven, but practically they are so far from the glory of God, and power of God. Seeing this reality will help to make you fit for the Master’s use.

If you truly want to be used of God, remember it is His kingdom; His glory must be sought; and His approval is all that is important. You want that don’t you? He wants to dwell with the humble and contrite. That could be you! Let Him be the Master, and see if He will pour out a blessing for you.

Blessed are the poor in spirit. What is poverty of spirit? It is the opposite of that haughty, self-assertive, and self-sufficient disposition that the world so much admires and praises. It is the very reverse of that independent and defiant attitude that refuses to bow to God, that determines to brave things out, and that says with Pharaoh, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?" (Ex. 5:2). To be poor in spirit is to realize that I have nothing, am nothing, and can do nothing, and have need of all things. Poverty of spirit is evident in a person when he is brought into the dust before God to acknowledge his utter helplessness. It is the first experiential evidence of a Divine work of grace within the soul, and corresponds to the initial awakening of the prodigal in the far country when he "began to be in want" (Luke 15:14)—Arthur Pink