Taking it to Work:
It is said, “Conceit is a disease that makes everyone sick, except for the carrier.” We have all met those in our lives who have that disease, especially at work, those who are self-focused, self-serving, always wanting the limelight. On the other hand, we have met those who have even better skill sets, higher titles, and much more experience, but yet are truly humble.
It’s easy to see which personality is more powerful. Rarely will most people want to be led by the arrogant leader, but they will line up without being asked, to follow a humble leader. Why is that? Well, for Christians, I think the answer is easy. We have God in the form of the Holy Spirit residing in us, and scripture clearly says that He opposes the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Jesus even describes Himself as being gentle and humble of heart.
What is the key to truly being humble? Well, there are likely many, but a primary one is this – an outward focus. Conceit and arrogance are diseases of the self-absorbed; humble people are others-absorbed. They put others first, think of how others feel, what they need, and are so concerned with serving others that the self-focus required for arrogance is just not there. Because of this, they are naturally attractive to others, and to their Lord. It is said that, “The humble don’t think less of themselves, they just think of themselves less.”
Unfortunately, we Christians are not immune to self-focus and the risk of conceit. The very gifts and talents God gave us, the education He blessed us to have, the opportunities to propel us in our careers, can all backfire into arrogance at the same time the world applauds our success. We need to be very careful that such recognition doesn’t lead to arrogance and a sense of self-importance. To remain humble requires great effort, to keep the limelight off of ourselves, and give glory to God and others in our lives who have made our success in life what it is. Refuse to be self-indulgent. Keep the focus on others and your Lord, as His Word will work humbleness in you, today.
James 4:6 (ESV) – Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Prv 16:18 (ESV) – Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
1 Pet 5:5-6 (ESV) – Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…
James 4:10 (ESV) – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
The humble are more powerful than the proud. Those who steal light, those who give to themselves great reward, will have little. My Spirit supports those of low esteem. Great is the eternal reward, and also the reward of the earth. I oppose the proud. I give grace and provision to the humble. Those who take glory will have no reward, for those who were in need were not fed nor cared for, forgotten in the wealth of glory given by man, other men in similar man-made light. Turn to Me in humble attire. Boast only of your salvation through Me. Gifts given are for others – the breath of life that others may flourish. Bow humbly and know the limits of man – wisdom shallow, unblinking but without sight, knowing not of the future, and blurred in remembrance of former days. Draw close that I might support, as it is those who do so who will find true Light.
