November 7

True Humility Rewarded

I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. — Luke 18:14 BSB

Humbling ourselves shouldn’t be difficult, for what do we truly have to be proud of? We ought to take the lowest place without needing to be told. If we are honest and sensible, we will think little of ourselves. Especially in prayer before the Lord, we shrink into nothing, for we have no merit to claim, only mercy to ask for: “God be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Here is a comforting word from the throne of grace: if we humble ourselves, the Lord will exalt us. The path to greatness in God’s kingdom is through humility. When we are emptied of self, we are clothed in humility—the finest of garments. The Lord will lift us up in peace, joy, and knowledge of His Word. He will lift us into closer fellowship with Himself and grant us greater assurance of forgiveness. God gives honor to those who can bear it without pride, who will use it responsibly and to His glory. Neither God nor man is inclined to exalt someone who exalts themselves, but both God and good people honor modest worth.

O Lord, strip me of self so that I may rise in You.