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by Kevin Pauley
The result of humility is fear of the LORD, along with wealth, honor, and life. - Proverbs 22:4 HCSB
An elderly man was once asked by a friend what was the secret of his longevity. “Is it vegetarianism? Vitamins? Wine? Abstinence from wine? How did you grow to be so old?”
The old man smiled a wrinkled and nearly toothless smile, “Ah! Life is very tough! It comes with many difficulties.”
“Yes I know!” the friend replied, “Everyone knows that life can be very hard. It has many stresses that wear us out and break our spirits. That’s exactly my point! Why does it wear out so many and yet not you?”
The aged wise man answered, “Many of my friends have died though they lived through the same circumstances I did. The difference is that when these hard things came, they called out to God ‘Why? Why? What is the meaning of this?’ And God took them to heaven in order to answer them.”
He continued, “I was not so curious. I simply accepted what Hashem brought to me and thus was never invited upstairs!”
God made all things and it was at His bidding that they all came into being. To think that such a Person would not know what He is doing and question His ways is sheer hubris. This is why He looks favorably on those with humble, submissive spirits who tremble at His word.[1]
Such humility is difficult to develop in our sinful spirits. It takes a lot of work. We’re all pride-aholics! We need to go to PA (pride-aholics anonymous), drink lots of bad coffee and when it’s our turn, stand up and say “Hi, my name is ____ and I’m a pride-aholic.”
Actually we do have PA meetings. We call it church. We try to associate with other people who are striving for humility, living in agreement with them and not being wise in our own estimation.[2] There we seek out and hang with like-minded, sympathetic pride-aholics and compassionately, humbly serve each other.[3] We submit to older pride-aholics who have been “clean and humbled” longer that we. We observe their faith, acts and attitudes and seek to clothe our minds with the same.[4]
When we do, Hashem gives us greater grace. Because He is concerned with the state of our hearts (rather than our livers), He resists the pride infested.[5] When we submit to His “Big Book” and resist the Devil, we not only find Yahweh’s grace but also health of soul and spirit!
So let’s draw near to God by humbling ourselves. Let’s cleanse our hands with righteous acts and purify our hearts by seeking His forgiveness and salvation. Let’s demonstrate contrition for our sins and humble ourselves under His might Hand.
Then, knowing that He cares for us, we won’t have to concern ourselves about life. At the right time, He’ll invite us upstairs for a good conversation and then we will know as we are now known![6]
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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