Try the latest Words of Life as Spotify Podcasts.

Tip: To see latest Words of Life, use Refine Search to list by Year. If using Mobile device, Refine Search may be located at end of page.

The choice to be lifted up in honour versus broken down in destruction would seem to be an easy one to make. Yet the way to make the right choice is contrary to our human nature. We have an inbuilt desire to strive for gain but a sad indictment on our human condition is that if we achieve some success our heart is soon inclined to haughtiness.

King Solomon spoke both of a haughty heart (Proverbs 16:18) and a haughty spirit (Proverbs 18:12) showing they were an internal part of us as a result of pride and arrogance. It results from attributing success to one’s own effort and skill.

Isaiah 57:15, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” The original Hebrew word (‘gabahh’) when applied to the Almighty God as the high and holy one finds a suitable fit but when mankind takes on this demeanour be prepared to witness a fall!

Recognising that our blessings are from God under the Grace of His Son, is a much more truthful way to live our lives. Within this era of Grace, both Apostle James (James 4:6) and Apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:5) used this proverb to teach the people how to get their heart and spirit ‘right’ in the sight of God. Of course, the fulfilment of this scripture is embodied in the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ on earth. Philippians 2:5-8, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

He chose to be born as a child, in the likeness of man to humble parents. His life and teaching was at all times fulfilled in humility and obedience to His Father. His death on the cross saw Him despised and rejected by mankind. However, it was this humility that was then replaced by the honour bestowed upon Him by His Father giving Him a name above all names. Philippians 2:9, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”

Our call to become ‘similar to His image’ should ensure this humility is a visible trait within the household of God. Embracing humility and obedience to the Heavenly Father during our life will ensure that God will also honour His church in due time.