Blessed…are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! – Matthew 5:3 (AMPC)
Good Help Isn’t Hard to Find
The Secret to an Unlimited Supply of God’s Grace
Scripture
As we begin this lesson, I confess that I sort of tricked you. I didn’t mention the topic until now because I was afraid you wouldn’t read it otherwise!
Let’s face it: Humility isn’t a very popular word. Yet, all throughout the Bible, the Lord instructs us about the benefits of being “humble-minded.” I love James 4:6. It says, …God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (ESV). In other words, the humble get the help!
I believe humility is often misunderstood and even viewed as a weakness. But it’s the exact opposite. Humility places us in a position to receive God’s grace and become everything He’s called us to be. A humble person is also a happy person. They can take joy in their life and what God has called them to do, regardless of what the world thinks about it.
My husband, Dave, is a perfect example. Years ago, the Lord instructed him to leave his job in the engineering field to help establish Joyce Meyer Ministries. At that time, God spoke to his heart and said, “If you do what I am calling you to do…and allow Joyce to do what I’ve called her to do, then you will have a lot of peace and happiness.”
Dave is the vice president of Joyce Meyer Ministries, and God has used his wisdom and stewardship in finance and administration to lay such a foundation of integrity and excellence at Joyce Meyer Ministries. It impacts everything we do, and God continues to build on that foundation. However, it takes a truly humble man—a man who is secure and knows that God approves of him—to be okay with his wife being the one “out front.” I can honestly say that Dave is one of the happiest people I know. He knows what God has asked him to do, and he is doing it with joy.
First Peter 5:6 (AMPC) says, Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of humility. In John 15:5 (AMPC), Jesus says, …Apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. I often pray things like, “Lord, I can do absolutely nothing without You today. Please help me—I need Your grace in every situation.”
I encourage you to pray and ask for God’s help. By His grace, you can begin to develop an attitude of humility…and discover the life you really want.
Walk It Out
Below, I have listed 10 traits of a humble person. Take some time to read through them. Which ones describe you? Which ones represent areas where you can grow?
- The humble can always ask for help, and they don’t insist on everything being done their way.
- They are quick to forgive others, difficult to offend, and content to wait on God for vindication when they have been wronged.
- They are patient and don’t get frustrated with the weaknesses of others.
- The humble person is a peacemaker.
- They know when to be quiet. It’s certainly not wrong to talk, but a humble person is comfortable allowing others to have center stage.
- A humble person sees their own weaknesses and can readily admit them.
- They happily serve other people, and they don’t do it to impress others.
- They are very thankful. This is one reason they’re usually so happy.
- A humble person has a tender conscience and is quick to repent.
- A humble person treats everyone with respect.
Prayer Starter
“Lord, create a humble heart within me. Let me be so confident in Your love and who You made me to be that I am not threatened by anyone else. Help me to be a cheerleader for others, knowing that You will always take care of me. Please help me to be truly humble-minded, because this is the attitude that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
The Power of Humility
I really want to help you think about humility in a different way. In this video, I discuss pride and humility…and what true humility looks like in our daily lives.