The words printed on the t-shirt I am wearing as I write this are: Work Hard, Stay Humble. This is a biblical principle. The only thing that the Bible says, God exalts and lifts up, is humility. It is interesting that it’s not talent, ability, good looks, popularity, or how much you earn or own. The one thing God exalts is humility.
“…whoever humbles himself will be exalted” Matthew 23:12b
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I Peter 5:5.
To live in relationship with God means we have to humble ourselves – yes, it might mean you have to acknowledge that you are not God. Thomas Merton said it well, “Pride makes us artificial; humility makes us real.” Pride dehumanizes you. Humility humanizes you. It’s how God created us: human, humble, and with free will. That means we have a choice to be dependent on Him. Sin is a pivot away from being human, a grasp that deeply damages the design God has for us. – I don’t understand this sentence.
What can be better than being exalted by God? On the other hand, what can be worse than being opposed by God? I have lived this. My pride has led to many falls, but humility has led to being exalted.
Humility is undervalued and misunderstood. It is not grovelling on the floor. It’s about realizing your dependence on God. Use your talents, work hard, don’t fall behind, love people, aim for success, manage your resources, but do so from a humble human heart that God loves, works with, and exalts.
