Humility
Humility is probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn, especially in my marriage. Because if you’re like me, then we always think we're right. Our way is the best way, or the only way. Not only in my marriage had I've had to humble myself , but also in many of my relationships. Even in front of strangers or people that I don't even know. How have I humbled myself in these relationships you wonder? Well, let me first share one of the first things God showed me. God wanted me to humble myself, and submit to my husband. This meant that I had to stop micromanaging, coming against, and fighting my husband. I had to give him the benefit of the doubt; the chance to lead our family/household, meaning, make the important decisions and follow his lead. (No, this is not another marriage post I promise.) I had to learn to talk nicer and more gentler, and do things like apologize first. And sorry‚ wasn’t cutting it, but I had to be genuine, and explain what I was apologizing for, without rebuttal, recanting, or excuses. It was really hard! At first, I'd apologized like this, "I'm sorry, but if you weren't so _______, I would never have done/said that!" After some time, I learned and saw that doing it that way wasn't helping. God kept refining me, and chipping away at my rough edges. Eventually, I was apologizing and truly meant it. My heart softened, and I didn't take as long to apologize, but learned how to apologize quickly, and apologize the right way. Through this refining, God revealed to me exactly how much pride I really had, and it wasn't pretty. God showed me that if I couldn't humble myself and submit to my husband, how would I be able to humble myself and submit to Him? Ouch! That was hard to hear. No matter how much I wanted to argue and make excuses, I knew God was right. He's always right. Humility and submission are not one in the same, but they do go well together. Remember that we must always submit to God. We have to learn and try our best to do so. James 4:7 tells us to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. These guides can be applicable in any situation. Let me explain. If someone does or says something offensive to you, your first reaction may be to get mad, they say or do something just as offensive back. But, you must submit to God, who will help you to resist the temptation to return the offense. When you do that, the desire to retaliate will eventually fade, as you keep your eyes on Christ. It may hurt at first, and seem foreign or cowardly, but God will be proud of you (and so will I). The Bible says, humble before the Lord, and he will lift you up (James 4:10). He will reward you.
Now in regards to pride, scripture says, where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice (Proverbs 13:10). It is for our benefit that we do what God asks of us. I said above that I had to humble myself in front of strangers, right? Well, when I am treated hurtfully and unfairly by people in the service industry, it's frustrating. I want to yell at them, one up them, put them in their place, talk to their manager, give them bad reviews, even curse at them. I've done all of that in the past, but (thankfully) God is still working in me. There are some times when doing some of those things are beneficial (not the cursing), but it depends on the circumstances. Ask God for guidance. Sometimes is better to kill them with kindness, because kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). I've often tipped mean and rude waiters/waitresses really well because I want them to re-evaluate their actions, and hopefully not treat other people the way they treated me. I've often noticed, myself, that when I don't behave as poorly as they do and let it go, I have much more peace then if I allow it to upset me and retaliate back. I get over it more quickly, versus wasting my time and complaining about it. Also, if I am rude to someone and they are kind back to me, I'm ashamed and embarrassed of my actions. It makes me consider my behavior. Often times I feel remorseful. It's much easier to be mean to those who are just as mean back. But if you can be kind and loving, you will make God smile. Jesus said in Matthew 5:46, if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? I challenge you to be humble, kind, loving, and to submit to God. Be the first to apologize in a conflict, and let God work in you. You will be more like Christ.
Let us pray.
Awesome Father God,
We praise you. You are wonderful, mighty to save. Lord, we love you because you first loved us (1 John 4:19). Thank you so much for your love and kindness. Forgive us of our wrongdoing and sins. Thank you for your forgiveness and son Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. Also, thank you for those reading and your teaching. Help us to become more like Christ by being humble, kind, and loving. Help us to forgive those who have offended us, and to not be easily offended. Show us our pride and our direct contributions to the conflicts in our relationships, so that we may learn to live in peace and harmony. Help us to correct ourselves, before we try and correct others. Thank you for your convictions and wanting us to be better, to be like Jesus. Continue to be with us, refine us, and reveal your truth so that we may be set free. Thank you Lord, you are Sovereign and you reign! We love you and are nothing without you. Help us Lord.
We pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
