Nov. 7
TRUE HUMILITY REWARDED
"He that humbleth himself shall be exalted" Luke 18:14
It ought not to be difficult for us to humble ourselves, for what
have we to be proud of? We ought to take the lowest place without
being told to do so. If we are sensible and honest we shall be little
in our own eyes. Especially before the Lord in prayer we shall shrink
to nothing. There we cannot speak of merit, for we have none: our one
and only appeal must be to mercy: "God be merciful to me a sinner."
Here is a cheering word from the throne. We shall be exalted by the
Lord if we humble ourselves. For us the way upward is downhill. When
we are stripped of self we are clothed with humility, and this is the
best of wear. The Lord will exalt us in peace and happiness of mind;
He will exalt us into knowledge of His Word and fellowship with
Himself; He will exalt us in the enjoyment of sure pardon and
justification. The Lord puts His honors upon those who can wear them
to the honor of the Giver. He gives usefulness, acceptance, and
influence to those who will not be puffed up by them, but will be
abased by a sense of greater responsibility. Neither God nor man will
care to lift up a man who lifts up himself; but both God and good men
unite to honor modest worth.
O Lord, sink me in self that I may rise in thee.