Humility ... (Psalm 25:8-9)

Today's scripture: Psalm 25:8-9

Humility ... not a word that is used much in our society. We hear about the best and the brightest. The smartest. The most talented. The richest. The most powerful.

We take pride in ... well, being prideful.

We compare ourselves to others. We get "puffed up" when people tell us we've done well. We look in the mirror and say, "Good for me!"

This isn't how we Christ-followers should be. Time and time again, the Bible writes that pride is a sin and humility, a virtue. We read, "Pride and arrogance and the evil way ... [God] hate[s] ..." (NKJV, Proverbs 8:13) or "When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom" (11:2) or "A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor" (29:23).

Jesus Himself illustrated humility.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)

Besides, nothing we are, nothing we have, nothing we can do is because of us. If we have any abilities, it's because God has given them to us. So when we're prideful, we're taking credit for something God has done.

God loves humble hearts. He loves it when we praise Him for what He does in and through our gifts and talents.

So, the next time you're doing something, and someone commends you for your efforts, certainly graciously thank them. But then say, "I'm grateful to God for what He does through me."

Give credit where credit is definitely due!