THE KEYS TO UNLOCK THE DOOR
In past meditations we have taken time to consider some of the outcomes of displaying a proud heart. We have noticed that these outcomes can be both offensive and hurtful to others. It would be remiss of us, therefore, if we failed to highlight that the Bible draws our attention to the means by which pride can be overcome.
There are at least five commands in Scripture that we must obey if pride is to be defeated in our lives:
BE CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY, 1 Peter 5 verse 5
- It is the ‘outer garment’ of all we say and do
- it is the inward feeling of lowliness
- it is the lowliness that leads me to esteem others better than I am, Philippians 2 verse 3
- it means I am willing to serve unnoticed and work unseen
- it is the grace that once you know you have it, you have lost it! It is possible to be humble and proud of it!
- One has said, ‘We must become be stepping-stones for others, not stumbling-blocks for others’
BE SUBJECT, 1 Peter 5 verse 5
- it is the younger submitting to the older
- it is everyone submitting to each other
- you cannot submit and yet, be proud, simultaneously!
HUMBLE YOURSELF
- we have a responsibility to overcome pride, self-discipline is vital – we must not sit back and wait for it to be done to us
- ‘Humble yourselves’ appears in a number of verses – we must do our part and God will lift us up
BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN, MATTHEW 18 verses 3-
- ‘Except ye be converted, and become as children, ye will not enter into the kingdom of heaven’, Matthew 18.3-4
LEARN OF ME (Jesus)
- ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and You will find rest to your souls’, Matthew chapter 11 verse 29