All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1Peter 5:5).
Our Father, in heaven, You are the God of power, God of might, God of majesty—“Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?" (1 Samuel 6:20). Yet You show Your favor to the humble: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at My word" (Isaiah 66:2).
Lord we have nothing that does not come from You. Deliver us from the temptation to pride—the temptation to elevate ourselves above others, and to take credit for the gifts and the mercies You have so graciously given us.
The apostle Paul gives us the sobering reminder, For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? (1 Corinthians 4:7).
It is for Your kingdom, Lord, and for Your glory, that we have been given grace... as Christ apportioned it (Ephesians 4:7). Help us to be humble, and content, understanding that Jesus has a perfect plan for His church:
So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Keep us from the pride that dares to challenge divine wisdom. Keep us from the pride that causes us or others to stumble and fall. Help us not to become conceited, provoking and envying each other (Galatians 5:26). Forgive our jealousies, our strivings, and and our comparisons.
Help us to clothe ourselves with humility in the same way we intentionally choose our attire. Help us to walk in love and sincerity, building others up and encouraging them as they do the work You have given them. Give us the zeal, desire, passion, confidence, and diligence for our own work, thankful for the grace You have measured out to us.
Lord, You oppose the proud. Shield our hearts from pride. Show us Your favor. Thank You for Your great grace.
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