Have you ever thought of the difference between a prideful person and a humble one? Which one is more happy, calm, patient and fulfilled? Which one handles trials and difficulties in their lives better? When something completly unexpected comes into their life, how do they respond?
I have been studing through a book entitled "The Crook in the Lot", written by a Scottish Puritan, Thomas Boston in the late 1600's. I want to share a small part from a chapter called "The better condition of the Humble"
(Prov. 16:19; 29:23; Matt. 18:4; 23:12; James 4:10; 1Peter 5:6)
First, humility is a part of the image of God. Pride is the character trait of the devil. Let us view Christ who was the exact image of the Father, and we shall behold Him meek and lowly in heart (Matt 11:29). None was more afflicted than He, yet His attitude was perfectly brought down to conform to His trial. "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth" (Isa 53:7). Even though Jesus was God, "He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross"(Phil 2:8). Verse 9 of Philippians 2 indicates God's response to those who humble themselves under His hand: "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name...."
None have suffered as much as the Lamb of God, None have endured so much that was contrary to His express desire, and none have endured with as much patience as He who entrusted Himself to a "faithful Creator"(1Peter 4:19). The Lord Christ is held up to us as an example of humility in suffering and trials: "Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Heb 12:3). Without a doubt humility is the most rudimentary characteristic of the Christian, who has been recreated in His image(Col 3:9-10)
As professing Christians, how often do we repent of being prideful and thinking to highly of ourselves than we ought? I believe this is one of the greatest downfalls in the Christian churches of our day. We all, that call ourselves Christian, need to seek to be more like our dear Savior, and walk in the spirit of humility.
