Job 22:29-30
The scripture for today is Job 22:29-30
Job 22:29-30 When men are cast down, then you shall say, there is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. He shall deliver the innocent man: and he is delivered by the pureness of your hands.
Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's friends, began his discourse of council to Job with charges of unrighteousness in Job and implied that Job was suffering because of his own wickedness. He ends his words with a statement of truth which, although it was intended to be a reproof to Job, is consistent with God's dealings with man. The words of Christ echo the same truth: "For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted." Luke 14:11
Humility is a quality that God gives His children that enables them to maintain a consistent relationship with Him. Its presence is reflected in our attitudes. Only the humble will enter into God's eternal kingdom. The proud will not enter there because the attitudes of their hearts prevent them from having fellowship with God. "God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble." James 4:6
True humility is not what we often think of when we consider humility. It does not mean that you become a "doormat" for others to step on or take advantage of. It means that your life has been surrendered to Christ and your behavior is not a reflection of fleshly dictates but of heavenly direction. Our life and words come from another source; that source is Jesus Christ. It is His will that we seek and not our own. To be truly humble is to be like Christ, always doing the things that please the Father, even at the expense of "self." God extends salvation and blessings to those who come to Him with humble hearts, those who are broken before Him and open to His direction for their lives. The humble realize that God knows much better than they do what is best for them so, in wisdom, they defer to the leading of God rather than the leading of their own understanding. Their position in life is always, "not my will but Thy will be done."
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim