Humility Is Essential In God's Work. We Can Humble Ourselves Or God Will Do It For Us

Common Sense Commentary: Humility is second only to love and is a mirror twin.

In His sermon on the Mount, Jesus began by pronouncing nine blessed types of people in difficult situations, called the Beatitudes. "And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." Matt.5:2-11.

If you could add up these nine blessed experiences and find a common denominator, it would be "humility". Without humility there is no blessedness. Without humility there is no spirituality. Without humility there is no Godly approval. Without humility there is no true greatness (Isa.2:9). Without humility there is no forgiveness of our sins (2Chr.7:14). Without humility there is no justified honor (Prov.15:33). Without humility there is no effective service to God (Acts 20:19). Without humility there is no sincere obedience (Phil.2:8). Without humility there is no worthy exaltation (Lk.14:11).

Humility neutralizes haughtiness, Self-righteousness, a proud spirit, boasting, a superiority complex, bigotry and wrath (1 Chr.12:12).

Humility acquiesces to God's great glory. Humility may be righteous but never knows it. Humility may be outspoken but never haughty. Humility may be superior but never feels superior. Humility may be confident but does not boast. Humility prays, seeks God and turns from sin. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2Chr.7:14.

Someone may ask, "But how can I become humble?". You can either humble yourself or God will do it for you.  David humbled himself with fasting and prayer....
".... I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom." Psm.35:13

Or... if we do not humble ourselves, God will humble us as He did Israel...
"And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee...." Deut.8:2.

There is no substitute for Humility in the service of God. RB