Lent
– Day 25
Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility
comes wisdom. Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous
people. Proverbs 11:2-3
The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and
before honor comes humility. Proverbs 15:33. The reward of humility
and the fear of the LORD are riches, honor and life. Proverbs 22:4
These two
verses talk about the “fear of the Lord” as well as about humility. We don’t
have to cower in fear—being afraid of God. No this “fear of the Lord” is actually “respect” for the Lord. That is how
I see it—we need to give God our respect—putting Him first in our lives and
actions. That thought and action in itself is humbling—so we’re off in the
right direction. These verses again support each other in that humility comes
before honor—or anything else, like riches and life—eternal life. The “riches”
isn’t something that we should covet, but something that God gives, not
something for which we strive. Life is more about helping others—being that servant
like Jesus—than about getting rich. We have to work to live—but life can’t be
just about working, getting paid, getting things and saving money. Keeping my
eyes on Jesus, respecting Him and striving to become like Him, is what I want
my life to be. Knowing that what I do pleases Him is the greatest reward for me
today. How about you?
In
the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all
of you, serve each other in humility, for "God opposes the proud but favors
the humble." 1 Peter 5:5. Do you want to be favored in God’s eye?
You shall not bear false witness against your
neighbor.” Exodus 20:16.
Bearing false witness is plain and simple lying. Lying doesn’t bring honor to
the person doing it, or to their family or even to their friends. Honest—doing
and saying what is right and true. Being accurate with facts. Being straight
with others and with God. Jesus was honest…and never lied. He expects the same
of us. That is why He responded to the question, “What must I do to inherit
eternal life?” by saying to keep the commandments, including…shall not bear false witness.
We all have some degree of pride, humility,
and honesty in our lives. Rate yourself, between one and five with five being
the highest.
1 – Never
2 – Seldom
3 – Occasionally
4 – Often
5 – Always
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Do you ever put yourself first before
others? (Pride)
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1
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2
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3
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4
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5
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Do you always tell everyone what you have
accomplished that day? (Pride)
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Do you put God, Jesus, first in your
life? (Humility)
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Do you serve others from your heart? (Humility)
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Do you have a clear conscience about the
way you treat others? (Honesty)
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Do you tell the truth about
circumstances, events and situations in your life? (Honesty)
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With
humility comes wisdom. How are you doing?
Prayer
~ Lord God, grant us the grace to accept the way that You have created us. Help
us to see the humble creatures that we are in Your eyes and may we always put
You first—and then others, before ourselves. We love You and want to serve You
by serving others. May all that we do please You.
© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)
unless otherwise noted.
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