Morning Inspiration – GOD HUMBLES THE PROUD AND THE HUMBLE HE HONORS!

As you step out today, here’s a reminder from God’s word to you from Luke 18:10-14 [TLB]

“Then he told this story to some who boasted of their virtue and scorned everyone else:

10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a proud, self-righteous Pharisee, and the other a cheating tax collector. 11 The proud Pharisee ‘prayed’ this prayer: ‘Thank God, I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don’t commit adultery, 12 I go without food twice a week, and I give to God a tenth of everything I earn.’

13 “But the corrupt tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed, but beat upon his chest in sorrow, exclaiming, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home forgiven! For the proud shall be humbled, but the humble shall be honored.”

Today’s bible reading is another parable told by Jesus to illustrate the need for us to be humble, not to judge others and definitely not to be so conceited that we place ourselves better than others.

James 4:6 also reiterate this statement by Jesus when it says “…That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Today’s scriptural verses are very clear about God’s view of pride, especially When it relates to us His children. God does not want us to be caught up in Pride. Jesus without mincing words in this parable firmly says “For the proud shall be humbled, but the humble shall be honored.”

We can’t say we are Christ ambassadors, yet be so prideful and vain that people begin to question our character and if we are really what we say we are – Christians. 

There are many verses in the Bible that address the issue of pride and it’s repercussions. Here are some few bible verses.

Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited” i.e. (Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!. 

“Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;”

1Samuel 2:3 “Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him, deeds are weighed.”

Psalm 75:5 “Do not lift up your horn on high, Do not speak with insolent pride.”

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”

1Peter 5:5 “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Therefore, as you go about your daily business and activities today, let the words of Christ in this parable resonate within you, making you make up your mind daily to intentionally stay humble no matter the level of your success in life. Be conscious not to walk in Pride or think yourself more highly than others because pride is of the flesh and if not stopped, can lead to other forms of sin.

Note this – Pride will draw and repel people away from you, leading to closed doors but humility will open the hearts of people towards you and keep the doors of opportunities opened constantly to you!

Remember you are a Christ Representer, so make sure your words match your actions. Be a man and woman of godly character wherever you go. So that even when people want to talk evil about you, it will be hard for them to pin pride and arrogance on you.

As Proverbs says Pride goes (comes) before a fall, so stay humble always and remember God promises to show honor and favor to those that are humbled!

Do have a blessed and fruitful day!

God bless you!