Author: SeekGrowLove

The Good, the Bad, and The Humble

Old Testament: Jeremiah 23 & 24

Poetry: Proverbs 15

New Testament: 2 Peter 2

“For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.” 

2 Peter 2:21 (ESV)  

An idea stitched through today’s readings is that the God of Heaven prefers human behavior that is good and has an aversion to human behavior that is bad (to put it mildly). The Maker of mankind pays attention to both the wicked and the righteous (Proverbs 15:3). God sees all that happens on earth and, although all bad is wrong from His perspective, there seems to be a certain kind of action that uniquely draws His ire: people, who “speak on behalf of God”, using their influence to persuade others to evil–such people are called false prophets and false teachers (Jeremiah 23:16-17, 2 Peter 2:1). How do we avoid becoming like these people and live in a way that pleases our Maker? 

Looking through the whole of scripture, one will discover that nearly all the people God employed for His purposes displayed humility (or were first humbled), while those whom God rejected or stopped using were dragged down by pride. When Jesus ministered in Judea and the surrounding regions, he embraced people who were stereotypically seen as bad (or, unrighteous) and opposed those who were known (and self-described) as good (or, righteous). While it is true that those whom Jesus befriended did bad things and those whom Jesus antagonized did good things, the defining distinction between the two was humility (in the former) and pride (in the latter).  

The religious leaders of first-century Jerusalem saw themselves as righteous men who had things figured out–they needed no one to save them. The outcasts, meanwhile, longed for salvation–both from the Roman overlords and their own sinfulness. In other words, the people who embraced Jesus saw him as a doctor and themselves as the sick, while those who rejected him, saw Jesus as an instigator and themselves as the people preserving the peace. If one denies they have a problem, one cannot get the help needed.  

There is a conundrum for the Christian: we are called to do good works (Ephesians 2:10) and to represent Christ on God’s behalf (2 Corinthians 5:10), but we are also warned that one who has claimed to be a Christian (maybe even one who has been an effective evangelist) can come to a place where, because of their pride, it would have been better if they had “never known the way of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:21). How do we avoid this state, while being faithful to our calling? 

From what I see from scripture, the best antidote to getting on God’s bad side is to live in, with, and by humility. First, by fearing, above all (with reverence, awe, and worship) Yahweh. Second, by recognizing Jesus as the only way to the Father, to life eternal, and to the good life. Third, by recognizing that, while this knowledge radically changes lives, it doesn’t make one superior to anyone else. 

You can, with great fervor, study your Bible for countless hours every day, and do all the spiritual practices prescribed or implied by the text, but it won’t make you any better off…unless you are aware and live as though you need a doctor and view Jesus as that doctor. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day didn’t recognize the great physician because they didn’t acknowledge their sickness. If we want to make sure we don’t go down that same dead-end road, if we don’t want to get scolded or labeled as a false teacher, we must take our humble medicine every day.  

-Joel Fletcher

Joel Fletcher lives in Minnesota with his wife and two small children. He is involved with youth group and worship music at Pine Grove Bible Church.  

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you realize your need for a doctor and Savior? How does Jesus provide what you need?
  2. What happens to those who once knew they needed Jesus, but then are puffed up with pride and go their own way?
  3. What steps can you take to stay humble (or first become humble)? In what areas of your life do you most frequently run into the problem of pride? How can knowing this help you in the future?
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No One Who Does Good

Old Testament: Jeremiah 21 & 22

Poetry: Proverbs 14 – and today’s devotion on Psalm 14

New Testament: 2 Peter 1

The most humbling truth of the Bible is described in Psalm 14: every single person has turned aside from God and falls short of doing good (verse 1-3). God is looking down from His heavenly throne, desperately seeking for one person that will listen to Him perfectly, and yet, we have all failed. Even though we have tried, there is something about humanity ever since the Fall in the Garden of Eden that is inclined to pursue the opposite of what God wants. Even though He has clearly told us what we are supposed to do, we are unable to do it. So how can we have any shot at being in God’s Kingdom?

The gospel is everything: the good news tells us that Jesus is the person God has been looking for all along. He obeyed his Father perfectly, all the way to the cross. Now, he is raised to immortal life and seated at God’s right hand. He now pours out God’s Spirit on his followers, granting them the ability to live like he did, in complete obedience to his God. The gospel teaches us that it is only through Jesus that we can be redeemed, since there is no one else who does good (see also Acts 4:12).

The fool of this age not only rejects the existence of God, but also the grace of this God found in Jesus Christ. It is just as foolish to think that we can be pleasing to God apart from Jesus, as it is foolish to think that God doesn’t exist at all. The gospel tells us that we are completely incapable as people to do the will of God: we absolutely need Jesus in every single way. Without him, we remain to be enemies of our God, acting against His will (Romans 5:10).

Brothers and sisters, humble yourselves today, accepting the reality that we are broken, sinful, and unable to do anything pleasing to our Father. But now rejoice, because that same Father we have let down over and over again allowed Jesus to die in our place, taking the penalty we deserve. By the power of God’s Spirit, we can now do what God wants, since we are new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). Despite our sinfulness, our God loved us enough to give us another chance through Jesus. Don’t be foolish like the world: take that chance today.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God want you and I to live this week?
  2. How is it only possible through Jesus Christ?
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How Long, Lord?

Old Testament: Jeremiah 19 & 20

Poetry: Proverbs 13 & today’s devotion on Psalm 13

New Testament: 1 Peter 5

I am not a very patient person, and I don’t believe we are very patient people sometimes, especially in America. We want instant gratification for our efforts and results for all of our hard work. If you don’t believe me, let me ask you a simple question: “How long are you willing to wait in the McDonald’s drive-thru?” If we are being honest, if we have to wait any longer than 5 minutes for fast food, we are getting a little frustrated. If we are approaching 10 minutes, we consider new options that will be faster. We want what we want now, and we don’t want to wait to receive it.

However, there are many times in life when patience is required. That is the case for the Psalmist in Psalm 13, who is crying out to God, “How long?” The Psalmist is struggling with something or someone and feels like God is blatantly ignoring him. He demands that God come and answer him for his sorrows, or he might as well die (similar to Job’s story in the previous book). The Psalmist doesn’t want to wait for God to answer; he wants an answer now. But he ultimately trusts that God will be good to him, despite what is happening (verse 5-6). Even though he doesn’t get an answer, the Psalmist rejoices that God is still good above all else.

I had a friend from Kenya named Grace that would always tell me not to worry, because God is still good. She was with me in central Atlanta when a head-gasket blew on my car and I said some not-so-good words in frustration. I was fuming mad, unsure of how I was going to get back to my apartment a half-hour away. Yet, she turned to me in my anger and said, “God is still good”, creating a sense of peace in this moment of discouragement. (A tow truck showed up shortly afterwards to help us move my car back to McDonough). Although I felt like God was either punishing me for something, or simply ignoring my predicament, I had peace thanks to a good friend who reminded me of what the Psalmist knew: God is still good. Brothers and sisters, although you may be struggling right now and facing some difficult circumstances, we can still rejoice in knowing that our God is still good. We need to make it a priority to “cast all of our anxiety on Him” (1 Peter 5:7), and simply trust that He will deal bountifully with us. Will you put your trust in God’s goodness today, despite your circumstances?

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you remember waiting for, for a long time? Was the waiting worth it in the end? How patient were you while you were waiting?
  2. Have you ever felt forgotten by God? Why might the Lord make us wait?
  3. In what ways can we share the message that God is still good – even when we are waiting?
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Voice of Truth

Old Testament: Jeremiah 17 & 18

Poetry: Proverbs 12 and today’s Devotion on Psalm 12

New Testament: 1 Peter 4

One of my favorite Christian songs of all time is “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns. In this song, the band talks about choosing to listen to the voice of Jesus out of all the different voices calling out to them. Although those voices keep laughing at us, reminding us of all the times we’ve failed before, and saying that we will never be enough, Jesus says something different. Jesus tells us that we are strong with his God, that we are forgiven, and that we don’t need to be afraid. Everything that happens to us is only for his glory and the glory of his God, and we just need to listen to what he says.

Psalm 12 talks about two different voices that are shouting at King David: the wicked who flatter themselves and destroy God’s people, and the pure voice of the one true God that is like silver. King David stands in the middle and must make a choice: will he listen to voices of wicked, powerful forces that tear him down, or the voice of God that promises to preserve and keep him forever (verse 7)? King David makes the right call and follows after God’s voice, resulting in him being saved from those forces surrounding him (verse 5).

We also have a choice to make: what voice is shouting loudest at you? There are many voices around you that will claim that you are not good enough, are a failure, are ugly, or worthless. Every single person has these voices surrounding them, sometimes coming from mean people or from ourselves. However, our God through Jesus tells us that we are precious, worthy, and loved. There is nothing that will be able to separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:38-39), if we will just listen and trust in that great voice over the others. We can have rest, assurance, peace, and joy if we listen to the voice saying, “You’re my son/daughter: I love YOU”.

Brothers and sisters, you are more loved than you can imagine. Although you have people saying horrible things about you, and may be saying horrible things to yourself, you are a child of the one true God: you have value, purpose, and a family. Please find hope and encouragement today in knowing that this Voice is greater than all the rest and speaks the truth.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What lies about yourself have you heard, and sometimes believed, from others or from yourself? Why are they wrong? Why are they harmful?
  2. What does God say about you and His love? What is Jesus’ role in sharing God’s love and truth?
  3. How can you listen LESS to the lies and MORE to the truth?
  4. How can you help carry God’s words of truth and worth to those who are listening to lies?
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The Lord’s Tests

Old Testament: Jeremiah 15 & 16

Poetry: Proverbs 11

New Testament: 1 Peter 3

And – here’s today’s devotion on Psalm 11

In school, I admittedly was never good about doing my homework. In fact, I could probably count on my hand how many assignments I got done at home while in high school. However, I felt confident enough in making up the lost points from a class when it came to the final tests given. I did fairly decently when it came time for testing, so I always felt justified in “slacking off” from my duties of homework. I mean, it was only 5% of my grade anyways, so why should I care about an insignificant grade?

God also tests us, but this testing isn’t a “one-time” thing; His testing stretches across our entire lifetime. And unlike a test in school, every “homework assignment” given to us in this life does count as part of the test. Psalm 11 tells us that “the LORD tests the righteous and the wicked” (verse 5), meaning that everyone is facing this test during their lifetime, being judged by how we respond in every situation. We cannot afford to “slack off” on any assignment that we are tasked with, but must do our best to do what is right in every situation, because God loves righteous deeds (verse 7).

Thankfully, we have a wonderful example of what we are supposed to do in every situation: Jesus. Although we should never “copy” another student’s answers in school, we can and are expected to copy what Jesus does. He has given us every answer that we need to “pass” this ultimate test of God’s: it’s our job to simply obey, and do that over and over again. Like Jesus, we must seek to do right in every situation, so that God will grant us the greatest grade you’ll ever receive, which ironically involves the missing letter of any grading scale in school: an E+ (eternal life).

Brothers and sisters, we cannot afford to slack off in any situation, but must always be ready to give an answer for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15), and always be ready to do the right thing. What will you do today to copy Jesus’ example?

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you often remember that God is observing the whole earth – including you? What would He have recently seen from you that might not help your eternal grade? What could you have done instead that would have been copying Jesus’ perfect example?
  2. Do you often remember that you will receive an eternal grade? Does that make it easier or harder to choose to seek to do what is right?
  3. When the Lord examines you today what will He see?
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When Life is Unfair

Old Testament: Jeremiah 13 & 14

Poetry: Proverbs 10 and/or Psalm 10

New Testament: 1 Peter 2

Does life ever seem unfair? Why does it seem like the people who are trying their hardest to do the “right thing” often face the greatest difficulties? Is it worth it to continue on the path you’re following, when it seems like you can never get ahead?

My wife and I had to ask ourselves these questions a couple years ago, as we were faced with the possibility of never having children of our own. We watched multiple individuals who were having child after child and living in very sinful conditions, and yet, we had been going to church faithfully, giving financially to God’s ministries, and trying our hardest to be holy. “Why should they be parents and not us?” Everything seemed unfair and out of order, and we had a very difficult time answering these questions honestly. Our faith and trust in God wavered sometimes, questioning why things are the way that they are.

Some of you may have felt this way too in your own way. “Everyone else seems to be successful except for me: why is God not blessing my efforts?” Thankfully, these questions are not new, but are ancient; we see them asked by the author of Psalm 10. He is calling for God to answer the questions we are asking today, about why the wicked seem to prosper when God’s people are suffering. What is amazing about this Psalm is that God doesn’t answer the author: he comes to his senses on his own, resting in the truth that God is King forever and will eventually take care of His people forever (verse 16-18). Knowing this truth about who our God is leads us out of the darkness of doubt, and into the glory of rest in His promises.

Brothers and sisters, this life was never meant to be “fair”; you will suffer, struggle, and feel like God isn’t listening to you. However, Jesus went through much worse than we can imagine, and God vindicated him by raising him from the dead (1 Peter 2:21-25). We were called to follow his example in suffering for good, but will eventually receive the reward of eternal life when he returns, just like he did. Although there are difficulties now, they cannot compare with the glory that’s to come in God’s Kingdom (Romans 8:18). If you are having a rough time right now, find some peace in knowing that Jesus understands your struggle and God will reward you in the end for your steadfast patience. Don’t give up; things are going to get better.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you struggled with an unfair life and perhaps doubted God’s goodness and power?
  2. When that happens how can we be reminded of God’s promises?
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Arise, Lord!

Old Testament: Jeremiah 11 & 12

Poetry: Proverbs 9

New Testament: 1 Peter 1

And, since there is never a wrong Bible passage to read and discuss on any given day, today’s devotion will be over Psalm 9.

For quite some time, the headlines of news reports have involved some form of injustice taking place in the world. Human trafficking is finally getting the attention needed to address the problem, but it is still very much an epidemic that needs to be solved. Racial discrimination has received national attention for various reasons, and is one that Christians who believe that we are “all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) take very seriously. Poverty in many third-world countries (and some first-world countries) remains a constant issue that governments have been unable to correct. For all the wrong done in this world, and has gone wrong since mankind fell in the Garden, there is an ultimate answer to put our hope in: our heavenly Father’s justice.

Our reading in Psalm 9 today tells us what God is going to do when the end of this age comes: judge the world in righteousness (v. 7-9). When our heavenly Father intervenes in the last days, He is going to do something about the injustices that many suffer from. He is going to favor those who have been oppressed, those who were powerless to do anything, and those who are the poorest among us. This tells us that our heavenly Father values each and every person on earth, seeing the injustice that they suffer from as a personal attack on what He has created. Every individual on earth is made in His image (Genesis 1:26-28), and they should be treated as such by our leading figures, and especially by us as followers of Jesus Christ.

There is a warning here in this passage: you don’t want to be on the other side of the Great Judgment coming in the end. Those who are the oppressors and abusers should take heed; they are in serious danger if they don’t change and repent. This should strike a healthy amount of fear into our hearts, if we have people around us who we have wronged (v. 20). Jesus warns us that we need to reconcile differences with others before the End comes, or we have some dangerous things waiting for us (Matthew 5:21-26).

Brothers and sisters, let today be a challenge to you to do two things: reconcile with anyone you may have wronged, and stand up for those who are being unjustly oppressed. It could be as simple as a classmate who is being bullied; stand up for them and help them. It could be a co-worker that is being treated unfairly by a boss; stand up for them and help them. Because when we help the “least of these”, we are ultimately helping Jesus (Matthew 25:40).

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. How important is justice to you? How have you and can you be a part of seeking justice for the oppressed? How important is justice to God? How has He and will He show His righteous justice?
  2. Prayerfully consider who you need to reconcile with and then do it.
  3. This devotion was written before the events of this past weekend – the attacks on Israel. How does it relate and what are your thoughts and feelings after reading Psalm 9? Pray for Israel and for God’s intervention and righteous judgment. Come, Lord Jesus, Come and do the work your Father has prepared for you.
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Press Pause

Old Testament: Jeremiah 9 & 10

Poetry: Proverbs 8

New Testament: 1st & 2nd Peter Intro – see below

(First of all, let me say there is NEVER a “wrong” passage of the Bible to read or write about on ANY day or week of the year. Secondly, let me say that the Bible reading plan layout is not the easiest to follow – as the books are not always in order and we jump back and forth between Psalms and Proverbs. Thirdly, let me say this week you are welcome to be reading Psalms or Proverbs or both – and our devotions will be coming from the book of Psalms, so here is today’s on Psalm 8. – Thank you for reading – Marcia Railton)

One of my favorite vacation destinations has been the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Our family had the privilege of going there this summer, and when you are out there in those mountains, you feel so tiny. Growing up in Illinois and now living in Indiana, we don’t usually see very high heights: but out there, you realize just how very insignificant we are. As you drive higher and higher up the mountain to where Mount Rushmore sits, and then drive down hair-pin turns on Needles Highway, all you can do is stand in awe of God’s wonderful creation (if you’ve never had the chance to visit, I’d really encourage you to make the effort).

Psalm 8 reflects the same feelings that I had in South Dakota: when we look at all that God has created, we seem so tiny and insignificant. When we look up at the stars, considering all the galaxies and planets that God has made, how important can we really be? Does our life really matter? It seems impossible that the God who created everything around us would care about “little ol’ me”… and yet, He is deeply moved by humanity. In fact, He even sets us up as royalty over the earth! In the original command of Genesis, God’s purpose for you and I was to rule over this planet (Genesis 1:26-28). We were designed to be kings and queens, ruling hand-in-hand with our Creator to bring about blessing to this world.

This Psalm communicates many things to us, but I want to highlight just two. First, we should slow down our lives to really reflect on God’s creation. When was the last time that you just stopped and looked up at the stars? Or slowed down your busy schedule to look at the birds chirping outside your window? Only by pausing our lives can we appreciate what God has done for us. Only by stepping back, realizing that the world doesn’t revolve around us and what we accomplish, do we find true peace and meaning for our lives. I want to encourage you today: press “Pause” and enjoy what God has made (it sounds a little like Sabbath, doesn’t it?).

Secondly, remember that you are valuable and that God loves you deeply. Out of all that God has made in the universe, He still thought it was incomplete without one of YOU. He thought you were precious enough to create, and you are. You have a purpose in this life and you matter. Rest and rejoice today, knowing that God really does care about you.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you marvel at about God’s creation?
  2. What benefit do you find in pushing pause to remember God’s creation and all He has done for you? How can you remember to do it more and even build time into your schedule to do so?
  3. What does it mean to you that such a huge, impressive God of creation created and loves you, too? How will you show your praise and thanks and response?

1st & 2nd Peter Introduction

The books of First and Second Peter were written by the apostle Peter.  The two main points of First Peter were:  1) the importance of believers to bear up under the pain of unjust suffering, and 2) the importance of living a holy life.  The main points of Second Peter were 1) to address false teachings, and 2) to be prepared for Jesus’ return.

Some well known passages include:

1 Peter 2:2-3, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

1 Peter 2:19, “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.”

1 Peter 3:15, “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect…”

1 Peter 4:7-8, “The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:12, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”

1 Peter 4:18, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

1 Peter 5:6-8, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

2 Peter 1:21, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

2 Peter 2:9, “…the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.”

2 Peter 3:13, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”

-Steve Mattison

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Maturity

Old Testament: Jeremiah 7 & 8

Poetry: Proverbs 7

New Testament: James 5

James has focused his entire letter on Christian maturity — both in our faithfulness to God and in our conduct toward others. It’s not enough to just call ourselves Christ followers; we must be continually striving to grow closer to Him in our behavior, our morality, and our internal attitudes. Now James concludes his letter, and he does so by talking about where we place our trust in this life. This is very much a continuation of the thoughts James shares in chapter 4:7–12: Trusting God instead of the world.

“Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. Brothers, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!

Brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience. See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Now above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. Your “yes” must be “yes,” and your “no” must be “no,” so that you won’t fall under judgment.”

James 5:7–12

The impatience and callousness that can come from trusting in our wealth compared with the patience and strength that comes with trusting in God is the theme of chapter 5 of James. He puts this patience in the context of a farmer who has to keep a long-term view of their work, knowing that a lack of patience could result in a ruined crop. Our trust in God encourages us to be patient with Him as well as with one another.

Take people like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Job as examples of this kind of patience and trust. Their examples testify to us that our patient faith can endure anything through the Father. These people should be role models to us, not simply icons of faith. We should look at the way they endured their trials, at the ways they overcame discouragement and outright persecution, and strive to do the same.

Then we get to the “above all” statement. This is the sum of everything James has written so far regarding our mature faith. Putting God’s word into action, showing generosity, overcoming prejudice, taming our tongues, growing in humility, and putting our trust where it belongs — all of this boils down to a very simple principle: be honest.

·       If we are honest with our perspective about suffering, we will understand that pains of this life are temporary and look to God’s greater purpose for us.

·       If we are honest with God’s word, then we will put it into practice when it tells us to change things in our lives.

·       If we are honest with the example Jesus has left us, then we will put others before self, discard prejudice, and seek mercy before judgments.

·       If we are honest with ourselves, we will be mindful of the ways we use our words and control our language even when angered or frustrated.

·       If we are honest about our place in Creation, we will be humble before God and put His will before our own.

·       If we are honest in humility, then we will place our trust in the Creator rather than the perishable things He has created.

Applying the wisdom in James takes time. God has not left you alone in this but will work this out for you if you are humble and honest. May you be blessed this week and always seek the Kingdom.

-Andy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. Honestly evaluate what you most often put your trust in. Your wealth, the world, your job, your family, your Creator? How can you display more trust in God Almighty? What would that look like?
  2. How mature is your Christian faith? What would help you grow even more mature?
  3. How would you rate yourself on each of the “If we are honest…” statements above? Which one do you think God would most like you to work on right now? What would be a great first step? Pray and tell God about the change and action steps you would like to make.
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Humbled

Old Testament: Jeremiah 5 & 6

Poetry: Proverbs 6

New Testament: James 4

Yesterday we talked about taming the tongue. We learned how hard it is to do. How do we get God’s help? Luckily for us James speaks on this in the very next chapter. The answer is…

Humble Yourself.

Humility is not something we can achieve. We might consider it American to think we could. You can do it. Be proactive. Take the first step. Grab the bull by the horns and be humble.

Make no mistake, we do have a part to play in humility. It is not only an effect but a command. In particular, two apostles tell us to humble ourselves. And both do so in similar ways.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6

So far as we can tell, James and Peter haven’t been inspired by each other on this point, but by the Old Testament. In the immediate context of instructing us to humble ourselves, both quote the Greek translation of Proverbs 3:34 (“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

For our purposes here, observe that both calls to self-humbling come in response to trials. James refers to quarrels and fights within the church:

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. James 4:1–2

Conflict among those claiming the name of Christ humbles the church. It serves as a test of pride, and humility. James reminds them not only that they are “sinners” and “double-minded” but he also reminds them of Proverbs 3:34. He charges the church to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God (James 4:7–8). In other words, “Humble yourselves before the Lord.” The church is being humbled from within. Now, how will they respond to God’s humbling purposes in this conflict? Will they humble themselves? Will we? Can we?

Over and over again in the Bible, self-humbling is not something we initiate but something we receive, even embrace — even welcome — when God sends his humbling, however direct or indirect his means. The invitation to humble ourselves does not come in a vacuum but through our first being humbled.

Humility, like faith — and as a manifestation of faith — is not an achievement. Humility is not fundamentally a human initiative, but a proper, God-given response in us to God himself and his glory and purposes.

We don’t teach ourselves to be humble. There’s no five-step plan for becoming more humble in the next day, week, or month. Within measure, we might take certain kinds of initiatives to cultivate humility in ourselves, but the main test comes when we are confronted, unsettled in the moments when our semblances of control vanish and we’re taken off guard by life in a fallen world — and the question comes to us:

How will you respond to these humbling circumstances? Will you humble yourself?

Daily humbling ourselves under the authority of God’s word, and humbling ourselves by obeying his words, and humbling ourselves by coming desperately to him in prayer, and humbling ourselves in fasting — these all have their place in our overall response as creatures to our Creator. But first and foremost, we need to know humbling ourselves is responsive to God.

When the next humbling trial comes, will you bow up with pride, or bow down in humility? God has a particular promise for you in these moments. The God of all power will exalt the humble in his perfect timing.

-Andy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. When has trials and conflict humbled you? Do you think you needed to be humbled?
  2. Why do you think God opposes the proud? Why do you think He gives grace to, and lifts up the humble?
  3. What is your response to God? Does it include a healthy dose of humility?
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