“Humble Yourselves… ”

BIBLE READING:  James 4

            In 1974 Mac Davis released a song that just may summarize the mindset of many Americans.  The song was entitled, “Oh Lord, It’s Hard to Be Humble”.  The basic premise of the song was that it is so hard to be humble, when you are perfect in everything.  Today, that seems to be the overwhelming mindset of many of us.  People have the notion that it is difficult to be humble, but it isn’t because we are perfect, we are just better than you.  If you are homeless, it’s because you couldn’t handle your finances.  If you are unemployed, it is because you must have done something stupid to lose your job.  If you need help, it is because you can’t do it yourself.  Our culture almost relishes in others misery and misfortunes because it makes us look and feel successful.  It makes us feel better, higher on the social ladder, giving us a sense of accomplishment.  The fact is, many of those less fortunate people have done nothing to cause their problems, and likewise many of us fortunate have done nothing to deserve our blessings.  Why is it so hard for us to realize that everything we have in this life, EVERYTHING, is a blessing from God.  There is nothing on this earth that we have done, accomplished or accrued without the wonderful grace of Jesus Christ.  Are you paying attention? We would not exist if it were not for Him.  That is why as Christians, James 4.10 should come easy, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you”.  Living a life of humility helps us to see that every human being is infected with this disease called sin.  I am no better than you, you are no better than me; we are both in need of realizing the blessing of knowing Jesus.  If we will just humble ourselves in this life, it is He (and only He) who can truly lift us up!