Proud of Our Humility

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not" (Romans 7:18)

Three considerations should destroy pride forever within our breasts: the majesty of God, the enormity of our sins and the wonder of Christ's redeeming death. But so tenacious is the root of Adam that we are often proud even of our want of pride. It is not uncommon to see holy men defending their holiness with positive violence and resenting any doubt cast upon their perfections.

For a Christian to claim credit for any good work is a violation of the most elementary teachings of the New Testament. Two things are taught clearly there: that I can of myself do no good thing; and if any good deed is done, it is the Lord Himself who has done it. That should settle our pride of service for good, but in fact it is not so. We still love to bask in the praise that our Christian efforts bring us.

For a Christian to revel in the praise he is accorded for some good work is as logically askew as for a singer to rush out and take a bow for another singer's solo. It is a cheap form of robbery and must be exceedingly hateful to God.

Father, forgive me for the pride that is so ugly, yet so close to the surface. Remind me today that I can do all things through Christ - but nothing of myself. Amen

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Saintliness and Holiness

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and fallow me" (Luke 9:23)

If anyone should wonder what I mean by godliness, saintliness, holiness, I'll explain. I mean a life and a heart marked by meekness and humility. The godly soul will not boast nor show off. I mean reverence. The godly man will never take part in any religious exercise that shows disrespect for the Deity. The cozy, cute terms now applied to God and Christ will never pass his lips. He will never join in singing religious songs that are light, humorous or irreverent. He will cultivate a spirit of complete sincerity and discuss God and religion only in grave and reverent tones.

Further, I mean separation from the world unto God in all-out, irrevocable committal. The holy man will not envy the world, nor will he imitate it or seek its approval. His testimony will be, "I am crucified unto the world and the world unto me." He will not depend upon it for his enjoyments, but will look above and within for the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory.

In short, any true work of God in the churches will result in an intensified spirit of worship and an elevated appreciation of the basic Christian virtues. It will make men Christlike, will free them from a thousand carnal sins they did not even know were sins before. It will free them from earthly entanglements and focus their whole attention upon things above.

Lord, help me live a life of virtue, forsaking all else, so I can experience freedom and communion with You. Amen

~A. W. Tozer~