Originally published Monday, 24 March 2014.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
As God prepares to advance you, do great things in your life, bring you to another level in Him, or make changes in your situation, you will need to learn how to humble yourself in tough situations. And not just you, but I’m learning this vital principle too. God can’t use the proud. He actually hates the stench of pride and arrogance. But on the other hand, He can do amazing things in a person who exemplifies and possesses a spirit of humility. And that’s why He’s laid this message on my heart to talk to you about cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit. We all need to learn how to have this! And sometimes that means “eating humble pie.”
Having a quiet spirit means being peaceable by the way you carry yourself or how you respond to people or difficult situations. And being gentle is how you come off to people. First Peter 3:4 tells us that, “You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” Remember, Jesus was meek (humble) and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). In saying this, I have to ask the question, “Are you quiet and gentle all the time or do you need a little work in this department?”
I’d say that we all need a little taming of the tiger within us and an extra lesson on humility! Trust me. God’s already begun the process in me. But let’s go a little deeper. Are you one that goes off when you’re angry (outburst of anger)? Do you get upset when you don’t have your way and express it? Do you disrespect your authority, because they just don’t understand your position or where you’re coming from? Or are you a little rough in your dealings of how you work, instruct, help, or nurture the people around you? Be honest, because these are some healthy self-examination questions to ask yourself in your spare time, especially if you want God to exalt you or change your current situation.
I’ll admit that I’ve missed the mark on this one at times. Sometimes I’ve gotten a little snappy with authority, or may not have been as gentle in my dealings. However, when I’ve made these mistakes, I’ve gone to God about it quickly to confess my fault, ask of His forgiveness and repent of it. Hint…when you begin walking closer to God you’ll begin to recognize your errors more rapidly, and take care of it quickly. So if we want to see deliverance take place in our lives and experience God-ordained promotions, then we need to take heed to what 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” And Proverbs 15:33, "Fear of the Lord teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor." (NLT) Let’s get this!
We’re commanded through God’s word to respect and accept those who have authority over us. Colossians 3:18 tells us, “You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.” (Learn from this if you’re single) Verse 22 says, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.” What this means is that whatever our husbands, spiritual leaders, teachers, government officials, police officers, or bosses instruct us to do, then we need to eat humble pie and do it… regardless to how we feel or whether they’re watching us or not.
Now I’m not saying take abuse, but recognize the principle. As long as they are not causing us to sin against God’s word or violate His principles, we are accountable to God to respect and adhere to their position and instruction. They’re usually there to help us and steer us in the right direction. And it’s our responsibility to trust God for their leadership and do it from the heart, humbly. I know that might be a hard pill to swallow, but there’s really no way around it. Remember, God places all people in authority. In addition, if anyone ever wants to be in authority, then he or she would have to learn how to come under it. Amen!
And please note that this message is not just for those who have authority over us, but it’s also a lesson in how we deal with one another. We have to be careful how we handle each other as Christian brothers and sisters as well. God sees all of that. First Peter 5:5 tells us, “…And all of you, serve each other in humility, for God sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble.” (NLT) So you see, we must truly press to love each other and speak to one another in all humility as well. And this will take practice and actually studying to be quiet, so that when the time comes for us to express humility, we’ll be ready. Sometimes you’ll have to tell yourself, “Shut up. Don’t say it (in your mind or under your breath).” I’ve been there!
Listen, I know that being quiet when you could give someone a piece of your mind might make you cringe, but God loves it! The reason is because it shows Him that you trust Him to take care of the situation. And I can tell you from experience, He takes care of the situation! So just keep praying, surrendering your feelings and thoughts to God, and He will work it out when you humble yourself. We don’t have to fret or take matters into our own hands. God’s got it! And when we do this, we experience God’s grace, which is His unmerited favor.
Remember, God hates pride, but He favors a person who is humble in spirit. James 4:6 tells us, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (ESV) I don’t know about you, but I need His grace and a great supply of it! So, here’s your golden nugget for today. The next time you want to say something that could cause a hindrance from a mighty move of God in your life, choose to be quiet and humble yourself! Bite your tongue. Try to be gentle in your speech. Guard your thought life and renew your mind with the word of God. I just believe that when you and I do this, it will allow God to change us on the inside, so that people can see the transformation released on the outside. It’s time ladies! Let’s give God the glory, grab our forks, open our mouths wide, and eat humble pie! It might not taste good going down, but when it’s all said and done, we’ll appreciate every bite!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
* A good resource and book that I recommend for greater study on this subject is, "Putting on a Gentle & Quiet Spirit" by Elizabeth George.
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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