May 21 - Pride & Humility.

Matthew 23:12
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
 
Here we see a contrast between pride and humility. The Lord Jesus Christ spoke these Words for an example for us to learn from. He promises that not only is there a punishment that comes from exalting ourselves, but there is also a reward for humbling ourselves. We find these principles and promises throughout Scripture.
 
The Punishment – Proverbs 16:5,18-19
“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished…Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
 
The Reward - I Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
 
Our passage today also displays a unique Truth in relation to salvation. Those who come to God submitting the works that they have done in order to be worthy of Heaven are exalting themselves. When we rely on our works, we exalt ourselves because of our pride. God promises that there is a punishment…”For the wages of sin is death…”
 
God has already paid the price; He gives us the free gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” In order to come to God and receive that Free Gift we must humble ourselves. When we come to God with a humble heart admitting ourselves as a sinner, placing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, we are exalted to become the Sons of God.

James 4:10
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
 
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Bible Reading:
II Samuel 5-6  |  I Corinthians 9  |  Psalm 111