Proverbs 3:34 He mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble.

I’ve lost count of how many times the Bible talks about the virtues of humility. That’s probably because mankind is so prone to pride! Humility doesn’t mean denigrating yourself, but rather recognizing that everything you have is by God’s grace, and that everyone is on equal footing in that regard. The Internet today is certainly a display case for “proud mockers.” Virtually any comment section you look at will provide numbers of examples. It should be possible to hold different opinions without putting down anyone who disagrees with you, but you’d never know it from looking at the Internet! I really think the reason the Lord allows such foolishness is to make it clear who is submitted and committed to Him and who is not. It is a sad thing when Christians get sucked into the trap of mocking out of pride. The Bible is certainly not politically correct; there are many passages that talk about the absurdity of following other gods, for example, and there are even examples of men of God mocking those who are in rebellion against God, such as Elijah on Mt. Carmel. (1 Kings 18) However, the key word is “proud.” A true man of God isn’t afraid to call a spade a spade, but there is the fundamental awareness that God is everything and they are nothing. That is the definition of Biblical humility.

I have certainly had my struggles with pride over the years, and it can still be a trap to me. God has allowed all sorts of things into my life to teach me the foolishness of pride, and I’m thankful to say that I’ve learned some of what He has taught me. Particularly in my youth I used put-downs as a weapon, mocking those who didn’t agree with me. Looking back, I can see such behavior was most common when I felt inferior to that person in some way, such as in sports ability or social popularity. That is indeed the height of foolishness! I certainly can’t say that everyone agrees with me now, or that I agree with everyone around me. (It’s interesting to think about the various meanings of “agree with” in that context – and all of them apply!) What I need to do is remember that God’s smart and I’m not, and submit myself and those around me to Him. I am not to deny what God has shown me, but neither am I to think I have a monopoly on hearing from Him. I think that is the humility He is looking for.

Father, thank You for this further reminder of something You’ve had to point out to me repeatedly. I ask You particularly to guard my mouth as I talk with people today and tomorrow about what is going on in Omura. May my words be gracious, out of a genuine awareness that it is only by Your grace that I am able to do anything, so that the Body of Christ may be built up and not torn down, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!