Grace is often defined as unmerited favor. The heart felt desire of Christians is that they would experience God’s grace in their lives. As the Apostle James quoted from the book of Proverbs, he reveals the key to greater grace,

But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (James 4:6)

James shows us how we may experience a grace filled life. We see that any pride will inhibit God’s grace in our lives. Pride is the antithesis of godliness. Pride was the reason for Lucifer’s fall. In contrast, Jesus described Himself as “gentle and humble in heart.” Man is the only animal when you pat him on the back his head swells. Thomas Carlyle wisely observed, “The greatest of faults is to be conscious of none.”

If you want to press on in your own strength, God is willing to let you; however, you won’t have His grace. Fortunately, there is a better way – the way of humility which opens the door for God’s grace to pour into our lives. Humility is the unconscious result of being rightly related to God. Humility is a true recognition of God and our relationship in submission to Him. This does not mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.

Andrew Murray informs us, “If I am something, then God is not everything; but when I become nothing, God can become all, and the everlasting God in Christ can reveal Himself fully” (Absolute Surrender, p. 125). If we are called to follow after Jesus, then we are to reflect His attitude to the world,

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5)

The context of this verse reveals that the attitude of Jesus was one of humility. Pride is insidious, that’s why we need people who can speak truth into our lives. Knowing God makes us humble; knowing ourselves keeps us humble. The Apostle Peter encourages us to live with humility and God will take care of our destiny,

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, (1 Peter 5:6)

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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