Scripture to Read: Luke 18:9-14
As we continue to examine pride and humility, we’ll take a look at some other verses where God speaks about pride and humility. In Proverbs 11:2, God says, “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.” So, pride does not bring honor to us or to the situation in which we may be involved. Pride only brings dishonor. Choosing to be humble, on the other hand, is wisdom. When we choose godly humility, we choose to walk in God’s wisdom and honor Him in the way we act and talk. Jesus says in Matthew 18:4, “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Greatness is not found in being prideful, but Jesus says that true greatness is found in choosing to be humble. The Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 thought his accomplishments were something to brag about to God. The Pharisee says to God in Luke 18:12, “I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.” The Pharisee thought he was really something because he fasted twice a week, and he also paid his tithe. If God the Father were impressed with what we had to offer Him, He never would have sent Jesus Christ our Lord to die in our place. We have nothing to offer God because our lives are wrecked by our sin. Only through our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ can we serve God and please Him through our service to Him.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about pride and humility?
2. How are you choosing to humble yourself as a child and serve your King?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!