“’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 Peter 5:5-6
Heavenly Father, I have regretted ordering live squid sashimi in Japan, hiring the cheapest plumber for a home repair, passing on a free ticket to see the UNC men’s basketball team thrash Duke in the Dean Dome, and walking off Holiday Isle Beach just before the Pompano bite turned on, and the fish started outnumbering the seagulls.
BUT I have never, not now or ever, regretted humbling myself before you. Humility is the open door to receiving grace upon grace upon grace. It’s not rocket science; it’s plain ‘ole Gospel-sense. Staying proud, getting defensive, making excuses… they never end well.
After all, you tell us you oppose the proud, who of us really wants to experience your opposition? Hmmm… free grace or God’s opposition… how shall we choose?
Father, whether in our families, or where we work, or among competitive friends—no matter the context, free us to humble ourselves. Humility isn’t humiliation. It leads to gain, not shame. Your power is marshalled to lift up those who get low. Grace always runs downhill.
On this August Wednesday, by your Holy Spirit, show us/remind us where we have unfinished humbling-ourselves-work to do. Without qualifiers, “I’m-sorry, but’s,” or using way too many words, to whom will you send us in humility? In Jesus’ name, we ask and pray. Amen.