Of all the things we pursue, the greatest is life with the Lord. There is no more fulfilling or hopeful path than that of knowing God and his grace.
And along with seeking the Lord goes seeking humility. They belong together. The prophet Zephaniah joins them in the same verse for us: Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, … seek humility … (Zephaniah 2:3).
Ever wonder why God on so many occasions brings up his opposition to the proud and lifting up of the humble? It’s such a strong thread in the message of the . . . . Bible that a number of verses have become well-known sayings among believers:
- Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
- For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).
- God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble (James 4:6).
Those who are too proud in themselves don’t have space for God’s working, mercy or guidance. A humble lifestyle is one we seek out with the Holy Spirit’s enabling because it’s not the natural way.
How has the Lord led you to a more humble approach in your relationships, your job, and your life goals? Humility is not in any way weakness, but it does take us away from the need to serve ourselves and to a better attitude of putting others’ interests first.
In our life with God, a grateful and humble faith receives God’s grace in all its forms. Jesus taught and lived in a servant way as he took the path to set us free and give us eternal life.
It may go against the grain, but whatever others may tell you, humility is the way of blessing in God’s kingdom.
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:3)