Before beginning the thoughts in my heart today, may I point out what the Apostle said of those who penned the Holy Writ before him? I believe this also applies to the writers of New Testament scripture. The Apostle Peter said, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Pet 1.21) With these words in view, my prayer is that the reader of this blog will heed the other words penned by the preacher to the Jews.
Humility has been the theme recently in things heard from the pulpit as well as current devotional readings.
First, the definition of "humility" from Webster's 1828 Dictionary;
HUMIL'ITY, noun [Latin humilitas.] 1. In ethics, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will. Before honor is humility (Prov 15:33). Serving the Lord with all humility of mind. (Acts 20:19). 2. Act of submission.
Second, scripture containing the word, "humility."
- The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. (Prov 15.33)
- Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. (Prov 18.12)
- By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. (Prov 22.4)
- Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, ... (Acts 20.19)
- Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, (Col 2.18)
- Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: (Col 2.23)
- Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (1 Pet 5.5)
Scriptures highlighting the very word that means "freedom from pride and arrogance," are necessary to the understanding of just what is expected for one to stay "...in your place." It is also necessary to give the verses regarding false humilty for contrast to what is true and real. The title of this entry comes from a recent message preached from I Samuel 3.1-10. Little Samuel, in the care of the priest, heard his name called three times. We, of course, know this was the Lord "calling" Samuel to His service but little Samuel didn't realize it until the wise old man of God pointed the truth out to him. The focus of this thought is that if Samuel had not been "in his place," as noted in verse nine of the passage, he would not have heard the Lord. So it is with every believer. One must be walking in the will of God, as much as possible, in order to hear Him.
There is a divine order in the life of a believer. Staying in "one's place," is so much better and easier when one practices this order. Regardless of where one is in life, that order is this, "God first, the man/husband second, the woman/wife third, last are the kids/children." Further to this order is in I Pet 5.5, "ye younger submit yourselves unto the elder...be subject one to another... (Why?) for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble."
The Apostle Peter also explains that if we will do this, "Humble (ourselves) therefore under the mighty hand of God...HE may exalt you in due time." The hardest thing for this proud flesh to do is to stay humble. This doesn't mean to be a doormat necessarily and let others walk all over you, unless the Lord has warned or instructed the believer to stay still and quiet while He moves on their behalf. Remember, the Lord Jesus in Matthew 27.12, 14 never answered His accusers. The Lord Jesus didn't need to defend His position because He was fulfilling the will of God and He knew it. That truth alone will help a believer to "hold their tongue" while God fights your battle(s). Remember also, what David said to the might army of the Philistines as well as the giant Goliath, "...the battle is the Lord's."
The shepherd boy was indeed "exalted" in due time. As you know it was said that this young man was the greatest King Israel ever had. He was not perfect and neither are we but when waiting and following the Lord's will in "humility" we will see and marvel at what He does in our lives IF we stay "in our place."
More could be said in many other areas of this truth but we will end here and ask the Lord's blessings on all who consider His will to "stay in your place."
God bless is this bloggers prayer. Amen Ps 57.7
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