Humility ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Nehemiah 4:1-14 / NT + Proverbs 29

"One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor." -- Proverbs 29:23

I remember when George Steinbrenner was given the snub for a Baseball Hall of Fame nomination. I had no idea why he was passed over, but at first blush he seemed to be a shoe-in with seven World Series titles and eleven pennants for the Yankee ball club. Sometimes the obvious doesn't come to pass because there is a greater principle under the surface.

Solomon brings to surface one of the most significant principles in life. Pride will bring a person down when a lowly spirit will bring honor. The world totally opposes this wisdom and encourages pride driven pursuits in most careers. At first this attitude seems to succeed, but over time the humble leader is honored the most. Sometimes the obvious just doesn't come to pass.

How many times must you read this principle before it sinks in my friend? Does pride drive you in your work, ministry and family? Are you convinced that if you don't promote yourself, no one will? Have you considered this great truth: "“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you..." (1 Peter 5:5-6)? Sometimes the obvious just needs to be put aside for a greater principle.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Nehemiah 4:15-23 / NT + Revelation 8