Originally published Monday, 20 January 2014.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
I hope you’ve buckled up for this one, because we’re about to go for a ride! But let me caution you that there will be some dips, tunnels, steep hills, and bumps along the way, because talking about humility is a tough point. However, if you stick with it, I believe you’ll learn some practical tips on how to experience God’s best through humbling yourself. So without further delay, hold on tight and let’s get ready to ride down this road that’s definitely less traveled.
Today, many people want to do GREAT things, but most don’t want to journey through the training process to get there. And humility is a part of that process. It also pleases the heart of God. Jesus talked about this with His disciples when they were asking who would be the greatest in the Kingdom. His response to them was, “Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:4 NLT) Yep! So even as growing women, we have to become as lowly as a little child, because it’s so vital to the Kingdom.
No doubt, being humble is far from easy, especially if you’re bold, mouthy, strong-willed, head-strong, and independent. But no matter who you are, it can be a dying process from within. It’s like taking the low road. It’s giving up your personal rights and choosing to let others go first or get by. It’s being quiet when you really could literally give a person a piece of your mind (*caution: don’t do it!). It’s choosing to be respectful to your husband (even if you really believe that you’re right- your tone matters). It’s also being meek, respectful to your authority (even if they’re harsh or seem unfair). It’s not being proud, yet being modest, lowly in heart and position, and submissive. Loaded right?!
I know…BUT, we have to do it if we want God to move greatly in our lives. It’s like a prerequisite to GREATNESS. Many people miss this and they plunge headfirst into a ditch and suddenly wonder, “What happened?” Humility is the road to success! If you want to be great at what you do and be effective for the Kingdom, then this is the road to take. Shortcuts just won’t do.
Humility is about character. And the Lord is looking for proper responses to how we deal with life. It’s also about laying down our lives for others. It’s sticking with something even when we don’t understand it all. It’s not giving up, because it’s hard. It’s pressing and enduring for the sake of others and ourselves. It’s smiling when you don’t feel like it. It’s dealing with difficult people with genuine love (Holy Spirit help us). It’s dying to our way for God’s will, because His plan is best. *When we do this with our whole heart and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we actually set ourselves up for God to open the door for a SUPERNATURAL promotion! First Peter 5:5-6 says, “…be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” Whoohoo! I want God’s best! And I’m sure you do too. But I know that it comes with having a humble and patient spirit, not a proud or arrogant one. Amen!
Again, it doesn’t feel good to humble yourself, but God loves it. It shows Him that you not only trust Him, but that you’re willing to lay down your life and your pride for the sake of others. Jesus did it. And He is our greatest example. Philippians 2:7-8 tells us, “He made himself nothing, he took the humble position of a slave (servant- KJV) and appeared in human form. And in a human form he obediently humbled himself even further dying a criminal’s death on a cross.” (NLT) That is humility! And, as a result, He is now seated at the right hand of God in heaven! Hallelujah! What a great REWARD! Notice…it didn’t feel good, but He humbled Himself anyway for us. And now many of us are saved today because of His loving sacrifice! Praise God!
Humility is the key. Practice it today for heaven’s sake. It may be the road less traveled by many, but it’s definitely the road to experience God’s best! Let’s do this!
Word for the Week...
"Fear of the Lord teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor."
Proverbs 15:33
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s get ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
*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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