By Allen White
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6
When
we are proud, God is opposed to us. That’s what this verse says. Considering
God’s power and might, it would be wise to have God on our side rather to live
in opposition to Him.
I’m
not saying this to be clever. I’m saying this because I don’t know that we
understand how truly serious this is. Pride is one of the greatest hindrances
to our spiritual well-being. It’s one of the seven deadly sins, according to
Pope Gregory the Great (Source: gotquestions.org http://www.gotquestions.org/seven-deadly-sins.html).
(So is gluttony, but we talked about confession yesterday, and I’ve lost 15
pounds).
Pride
puts us at the center of our universe. Pride is the desire to prove everyone
else wrong just to prove that we’re right. Pride is the compulsion for control.
Pride is hogging the ball, the remote, and the credit. Pride puts us on the
wrong side of God.
Grace
is not given to the proud, because the proud see no need for grace. Like the
older brother in the story of the prodigal son, who did everything right, the
proud don’t have a need for the Father’s grace (Luke 15:29). They are in
control. They are calling the shots. The proud can take care of themselves. As
St. Augustine said, “It was pride that changed angels into devils. It is
humility that makes men as angels.”
So,
here’s the problem: proud Christians depend on God for their eternal salvation,
but depend on themselves for everything else. God’s saving grace has been
applied and their destiny is secure. But, when it comes to everyday living, “if
it’s meant to me, it’s up to me.” (That’s a clever phrase, though unbiblical).
God
cannot work in us if we don’t allow Him to work. If we are expending all of our
energy trying to figure things out and don’t seek God for answers, guess what,
God doesn’t give any answers.
God
gives grace to the humble, not just for eternal security, but also for daily
living. The humble don’t necessarily have low self-esteem. The humble have an accurate
view of themselves (Romans 12:3). They have strengths and weaknesses. They are
not the center of the universe. The humble acknowledge their weakness so that
God, in turn, demonstrates His strength (2 Corinthians 12:10).
God
doesn’t love the humble more than the loves the proud. God loves us all. God
gives grace to the humble, because they are humble enough to ask for God’s
grace. Why would the proud need to ask for God’s grace? They’ve got it all
under control.
How
do you need God’s grace today? Have you asked Him for it? God is not stingy
with His grace. He won’t scold you first. God is glad to be on your side.
A
beautiful hymn by Annie J. Flint captures this well:
His
love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His
power no boundary known unto men;
For
out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He
giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
If
you have time, the lyrics to this hymn are priceless: http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/He_Giveth_More_Grace/
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