But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. James 4:6 (NKJV)
Here is a question to ponder. Does your attitude change the way God treats you? There is an intriguing text in James 4:6 which says “But He gives more grace. YES! that gift, unmerited favour, that thing we don’t deserve. God gives more of it. But what follows next is what intrigues me. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” So depending on my attitude, that can contrast the way God treats and views me. And for sure, I don’t want God to resist me! I want some grace! What about you? So I need to develop a humble attitude. I must not be proud, selfish, and self-centred and not look down on others. When I realize what God’s grace does for me, that changes my whole outlook on life. It really should keep us humble.
Booker T. Washington, the renowned black educator, was a fantastic example of being humble. Shortly after he became President of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive section of town when a wealthy white woman stopped him. Not knowing the famous Mr Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When completed, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady. The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized profusely. “It’s perfectly all right, Madam,” he replied. “Occasionally, I enjoy a little manual labour. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. Not long afterwards, she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute.
A truly humble man is hard to find, yet God delights to honour such selfless people. “Humility is something we should constantly pray for, yet never thank God that we have.” When we truly learn to be Humble, God will bless us and give us more of this gift called grace! How many of us want to ask God to teach us to be humble and ask God to provide us with more of His grace today?
Prayer: Lord, please take away any pride in our lives and teach us to be humble to receive more of your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
By: Pastor Carlon Nyack
