“’God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up…” (1 Pet. 5:5-6)
Heavenly Father, I’ve regretted passing on a ticket that led to my Tar Heels thrashing Duke’s bb-ball team. I’ve grieved hiring the cheapest plumber for a home repair, letting certain salespeople pass through my front door, and giving up on fishing just before hungry fish decided to bite empty hooks.
But I have never regretted humbling myself before you. Humility is the welcome mat, open door, and diving hug that leads to getting a fresh supply of your life-giving grace. It’s not rocket science, it’s plain ‘ole Gospel-sense: Staying proud, doubling down on defensiveness, making excuses, ignoring your Spirit’s convicting work … they never ever end well.
After all, you tell us you oppose the proud. Who of us really wants to experience your opposition? Father, whether with our spouse or kids, where we work, among our friends or strangers—free us to humble ourselves. Humility isn’t humiliation, failure, or covering our faces in shame. It actually leads to gain, not shame. We’re never more like Jesus than when we choose humility over every other option (Phil.2:1-11).
On this August Thursday, by your Holy Spirit, show us where we have chosen pride over humility, saving face over your saving grace, looking “good” over living as yours. Your power is marshaled to lift up those who get low. Grace always runs downhill… always. So Very Amen.