The Proud and the Lowly

December 11

(Psalm 138:6-8 NIV) “Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. {7} Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. {8} The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever-- do not abandon the works of your hands.”

(1 Corinthians 1:25-31 NIV) “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. {26} Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. {27} But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. {28} He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, {29} so that no one may boast before him. {30} It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. {31} Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.””

Pride has been called the deadliest of sins. Man looks upon the work of his hands and boasts of his accomplishments. God hears our boasting and laughs at our audacity. We are the work of God’s hand. Because of His enduring love for man, He does not abandon us, but He will humble us. It is always best when we humble ourselves, but if we won’t, God will provide circumstances that bring us to humility. The Lord knows we cannot receive His Kingdom unless we abandon our pride. When we treasure that pride, God cannot fulfill His purposes for us. We must come to a place where we see the wisdom and necessity of putting God above us. God uses the lowly, the foolish, and the weak to humble the wise, the strong, and the arrogant. It started in a manger stall. It ends when we fall on our knees and declare that Jesus is Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day