“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”-James 4:6

C.S. Lewis once wisely said, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.” How true. And not only can we not see something that is above us, namely God, but also, when pride rules our hearts and minds, we are actually positioning ourselves in opposition to God. When we are prideful, not only does God not support us, but He opposes us! To oppose, according to Collins Dictionary, is “to fight against or resist strongly.” So truly what James 4:6 means is, when we are prideful, we can count on God being against us, resisting us, and even opposing us. Do any of us really want that? I don’t think we do. Does God want this for us? Nope, He doesn't either! But how do we know if pride is a problem in our lives?

Here are some questions to ponder, helping us consider if pride is a problem in our lives: Do we readily seek advice from others, especially those who are walking with the Lord, for counsel on what to do in a variety of decisions and situations we encounter? If the answer is no, pride could be a problem. Are we faithfully in fellowship, in community with other believers, listening, learning, and contributing? If the answer is no, pride could be a problem. Are we consistently reading the Bible, accepting God’s truth, and quickly seeking to follow what He says? If the answer is no, pride is a problem! Are we teachable, eager to learn and grow? If the answer is no, pride is present. Do we think that the world revolves around us, that we are the center of the universe? If somehow the answer is yes, pride is certainly a problem. The bottom line is, pride leads us inward and is “me” focused. Pride puffs us up; it does not lift God up. God knows this outlook and attitude is toxic for us and everyone around us! He is opposed to this kind of spirit.

So what should we do to make sure we aren’t ever in opposition to God? According to Scripture, we are to humble ourselves before God. The Bible says much about humility. It's super evident that God delights in humility! For example, Psalm 138:6 says, “Though the Lord is great, He cares for the humble, but He keeps His distance from the proud.” We know He gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Where there is humility, wisdom is granted (Proverbs 11:2). The Bible is clear that with humility also comes honor (Proverbs 29:23). All this to say, humility matters! Humility is a priority for God. As always, if something matters to God, it most certainly should matter to us.

May we be reminded today of one of the most underrated, beautiful qualities that God exudes and wholeheartedly commends: humility. Might we humble ourselves before Him daily (James 4:7,10). How does this look practically? It looks like ongoing acknowledgment in prayer that God alone is God, and we need His help. It looks like remembering we don’t know all things, only God does. It looks like being quick to confess we aren’t competent at everything, but God has made us good at some things. Most certainly living a life of humility involves a dependence on Christ, often recalling that we can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:4-5). So, let's readily call to mind humility and choose it. Then we can count on God’s help! “The Lord supports the humble, but He brings the wicked down into the dust” (Psalm 147:6).

Cheer up, friends!

-Scott