Knowing Our Place!

Some people think too highly of themselves and are in need of a life situation that might bring them down a few pegs. Others think too lowly of themselves and need to be raised up and encouraged to recognize their significance. In both cases maintaining a proper view of God and His interest in our life and allowing Him to have His rightful place helps sustain a healthy view of our own place.

After noting several things regarding the need to listen to and accept instruction, Solomon stated. . .
"(33) The FEAR OF THE LORD IS INSTRUCTION IN WISDOM, and HUMILITY COMES BEFORE HONOR." ( Proverbs 15:33 ESV)

We must always maintain a proper view of God. The position He alone holds must be continually acknowledged. In so doing we WISELY LEARN to REVERENCE HIM in His Holiness and Sovereignty, TRUST HIM in His ability to do all He has said He will do, OBEY HIM because His Way always leads to blessing, and WORSHIP HIM because of His "worthship" above all. All of this implies WISDOM being gained as our own place in connection with God is properly recognized.

We cannot be properly exalted and honored unless we first HUMBLE ourselves. HUMILITY keeps us open to the instruction (including correction) we need, as well as being open to the places in life the Lord desires to move us. Someone has said, "We must let go of the life we planned in order to accept the life that is waiting for us." (Author unknown) Think of the blessings we stand to miss out on when we refuse to let go and allow God to bring us to the life He has in mind!

Position is generally not handled well when God's place is not kept in mind. Herod accepted the praise of men, left God out of the picture, and it brought his end. ( Acts 12:21-23) In his case, how true we see the proverb, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." ( Proverbs 16:18 ESV) John the Baptist, on the other hand, retained a proper view of his role and would accept nothing beyond it. ( John 3:26-30) He HUMBLY exalted Christ and Jesus later exalted John. (note Matthew 11:11)

James exhorted. . .
"(10) HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD, AND HE WILL EXALT YOU." ( James 4:10 ESV)

Have a great day UPLIFTED TO WHERE THE LORD WANTS US NOW!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Humility