Prerequisite to Greatness!

Every time I read through the Scriptures I am impressed with the HUMILITY exhibited by the great men and women of faith whose lives are recorded for our encouragement and learning. Should it be any surprise that greatness is preceded by HUMILITY? In order to be submissive to the direction of God HUMILITY is needed. It is the arrogant who refuse His leading and develop the view that their life is what it is because of what they themselves have accomplished.

Note the following statement by Jacob as he sought God’s watchfulness while returning to meet his brother Esau.
“(9) And Jacob said, ‘O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ (10) I AM NOT WORTHY OF THE LEAST OF ALL THE DEEDS OF STEADFAST LOVE AND ALL THE FAITHFULNESS THAT YOU HAVE SHOWN TO YOUR SERVANT, FOR WITH ONLY MY STAFF I CROSSED THIS JORDAN, AND NOW I HAVE BECOME TWO CAMPS.’” ( Genesis 32:9-10 ESV)

Since Jacob had fled to Padam-aram where Laban, his mother’s brother, lived ( Genesis 28:5), he had been blessed with a large family, servants, sheep, livestock, etc. And while his father-in-law had changed his wages ( Genesis 31:41) and tried to cheat him ( Genesis 31:7), Jacob could have boasted in his own cleverness (note Genesis 30). Instead, Jacob looked to God as the source of his success. Jacob had served well and he was blessed by God. Jacob HUMBLY submitted to the guidance of God and His life was enriched and God’s promises were being fulfilled.

After Peter pointed to the need to be clothed with HUMILITY because “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” ( 1 Peter 5:5), he went on to exhort…
“(6) HUMBLE YOURSELVES, therefore, UNDER THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD SO THAT AT THE PROPER TIME HE MAY EXALT YOU, (7) casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” ( 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

As an arrogant and prideful spirit precedes being humbled ( Proverbs 16:8), HUMILITY is a prerequisite to being exalted by God. This is a truth pointed out by Jesus as well. Remember what our Lord stated when He contrasted the prayer of the Pharisee with that of the tax collector.

“‘I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For EVERYONE WHO EXALTS HIMSELF WILL BE HUMBLED, but THE ONE WHO HUMBLES HIMSELF WILL BE EXALTED.’” ( Luke 18:14 ESV)

HUMILITY allows us to more easily submit to the guidance, Will, and wisdom of God. It is a spirit which will also help us to be patient as we trustingly wait for God to work out His Will in our life in accordance with His timetable. Regardless of the great successes in our life, may we continue to retain the HUMILITY necessary to being led to the greatest blessings and exaltation God has in mind for us as His children.

Have a great day MAINTAINING A SUBMISSIVE SPIRIT BEFORE GOD!
Carl

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