Humble Approach

For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. (Romans 12:3, AMP)

This verse reminds us that there is no place for inflated pride in the believer’s life.  It’s pretty easy to get caught up in who we are when we compare ourselves to others.  We love to come out ahead and think that at least we are a little better than so and so.  But the truth is, it’s only by the grace of God that anyone of us has anything good to show for.  We must compare ourselves to Jesus and not to each other.  Jesus is the perfect standard!  And I can tell you, that every time I compare myself to Him….  I am humbled!  I have a long ways to go!

“HUMBLE yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”  (1 Peter 5:6)

When we choose to humble ourselves before the Lord… He promises to lift us up.  It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow… But God promises to lift the humble up in due time.  Another reminder of this comes in James 4:10…

“HUMBLE yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Again, God promises to lift us up, if we take time to humble ourselves before Him.

“…if my people, who are called by my name, will HUMBLE themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

God promises to hear our prayers when we humbly approach the throne.  He promises to forgive our sin and heal our land, if we simply turn away from our wickedness and reach out to Him.

My Holman New Testament Commentary says this about Romans 12:3,

God’s gifts of grace–the measure of faith God has given each believer–levels the playing field.  No one is better than another, so no one should think more highly of himself than he ought.  Sober judgment renews the realization that living sacrifices owe all to God, and the grace they have received is simply God’s assignment for them in the body of Christ.

May we find the playing field level as we focus in on who God is and all that we are not.  May we have a renewed awareness of God’s abundant grace and live in such a way that glorifies the King!  May we remember that we are part of the body of Christ.  Each of us plays a unique role and when we give our best to God we in turn help the body of Christ become all that it is meant to be.

Dear Father God, Please give me a humble spirit before You.  May my attitude be pleasing in your sight.  I pray that I will humble myself before You on a daily basis and wait for You to lift me up in due time.  Lord, may my life be completely surrendered to You and may I use my talents to edify the Body of Christ.

Taking the Humble Approach,