Humble-Hearted Praise
Some synonyms for the word “humble” are demure, lowly, unassuming, and modest. I don’t know about you, but I see a lot more of the opposite played out across the globe….especially on social media. Arrogance, conceit, and egotistical behaviors are almost praised while humbleness is viewed as a weakness. Culture says “humility applies to you, but not to me” as Christians are expected to submit to worldly views while the opposition stands firm. We easily identify the self-centered nature of others, but it is hard to admit our own.
I mean, who doesn’t like to be admired once in a while? We all crave a little recognition. A compliment on a new outfit or hairstyle; praise for a painting we created or a delicious meal we prepared; or an award at work for achieving a goal or acquiring new business. Those aren’t bad things in themselves. But pride is what this world seems driven by. We see this manifestation all the time on social media…the attention-seeking posts seem to cry out, “Look at ME!” Give me a thumbs up or a heart emoji and my delusions of grander rise to new heights.
While there isn’t anything inherently wrong about offering someone a compliment or accepting one, we all fall into trouble when we take the credit personally and fail to acknowledge the ONE who is genuinely deserving of ALL the honor. As Jesus advises in John 15:4, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” We cannot do anything good on our own. It is all about Christ.
We see throughout the Scriptures that our best defense against a prideful heart is humility. One example is Pharaoh, who didn’t care the least about this…not one bit. His heart wasn’t just proud, it was hardened against the Israelites, Moses, Aaron, and especially God. When we study Exodus, we clearly see Pharaoh’s inflated ego on display: he considered himself a god to be worshipped; he forced slaves to make statues in his honor; he would not let the Israelites go for fear of losing control or power. God had to bring death upon Pharaoh’s family and people for him to realize he was powerless over I AM!
And just like Pharaoh, King Nebuchadnezzar had to experience his limitations the hard way, by losing everything. His punishment for a prideful heart was severe because God knew it would take the most serious of consequences to pierce his hard heart and bring him so low he had nowhere to look but up.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
James 4:10
Our God patiently waits for us to offer Him praise. Not half-hearted, but WHOLE-hearted praise!
The other side of this story that I love to consider is the effect Pharaoh’s defeat and King Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation had on those around them. It would be hard to deny God’s work in their lives after such intense ordeals…such a visible, physical alteration took place in them while the internal was slowly being transformed. Since we tend to see external versus internal, those around them had to see the differences! We were able to read of Nebuchadnezzar’s spiritual rebirth as he “praised the Most High; I honored and glorified Him who lives forever.” (Daniel 4:34b)
It is such a great epiphany when we realize God is in control and we are not. Our praise to Him comes from a humble heart.
I don’t know about you, but God’s plan for my life gives me both a sense of peace and fear simultaneously. I want His plan more than anything, but trusting that He knows what’s best for me more than I know myself? That takes trust to another level.
And, He doesn’t stop there. He wants to show us how His timing is always best. When we have yet another corner to turn or yet another mountain to climb, our trust muscle is strengthened again. But, even if we know God is in control, does it make it easier to wait while He works? Not always. Can we stay on our knees daily longing for Him to reveal the answer to the problem or the cure to the disease? Or do we try to grab the wheel and attempt to right the ship ourselves?
I Peter 5:6a tells us to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” As we learn to submit our wills to the Lord He graciously pours out His blessings on us. May we all learn to give our Father humble-hearted praise.
~ Tara Dye is a longtime member of LIFE Fellowship. She and her husband Paul have three children.