James 4 - Humility and God's Grace

Today, Thursday December 3 – James 4 – My biggest problem and temptation in my life is pride. My greatest need for every moment and every day of my life is the grace of God. The Apostle Paul proclaimed, “By the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10) According to James 4:6, it’s my pride that keeps me from receiving and having God’s grace. Remember, grace is far more than “God’s unmerited favor”. New Testament grace is God giving me everything I need, the desire, the will, the power, the strength, and the ability to always be obedient and do those things that please the Lord and advance His Kingdom.  And God only gives this grace to one who is of a humble heart! So this begs the question, “How can I have a humble spirit?” Humility is not thinking lowly of one’s self, or practiced by putting yourself down. But Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29) What do we learn when we come to Jesus? We learn in: Philippians 2:5-8 “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.”  Humility is being a servant, obedient and willingness to sacrifice our lives for Christ. Oswald Chambers summed it up with this statement: “The only right we have is the right to give up the right to ourselves.” May the Lord help us to do this today and receive His marvelous grace! God bless!