Thought: It’s possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves.

There must be purposeful application of truth.

In every step of our Christian growth and maturity, and throughout every aspect of our Christian obedience and service, our greatest foe is pride and our greatest ally is humility. —John Stott

REFLECT ON THE WONDER OF THE CROSS

“Fill your affections with the cross of Christ that there may be no room for sin.” - John Owen

“How can anyone be arrogant when he stands beside the cross?” -Don Carson 

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride.

BEGIN YOUR DAY ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR NEED FOR GOD

Speak truth to myself instead of listening to myself. 

Speaking truth to myself will declare war on pride and set the right tone for the day. Mentally affirms dependence upon God and my need for Him.

BEGIN YOUR DAY EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO GOD

“Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does not easily grow.” -Michael Ramsey

Ungrateful = proud = arrogant = Proverbs 3:34

Whatever grace we receive from God is so much more than we’re worthy of. Indescribably better than the hell we all deserve.

PRACTICE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

Prayer.
Studying God’s Word.
Worship.

A daily demonstration and declaration of our dependence on God and our need for Him. A step to weaken pride and strengthen humility.

SEIZE YOUR COMMUTE

William Wilberforce = an evangelical statesman in the 19th century. Responsible for the end of England’s participation in the slave trade. Used his one-mile walk to and from Parliament to memorize and meditate on Psalm 119. Example of speaking truth to self, and not listening to self.

Seize your commute time or other “mundane moments” as a means of grace to allow Scripture to transform your thinking.

CASTING YOUR CARES UPON HIM

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

Grace will be given to make us care free, not responsibility free, but care free. Characterized by joy & peace.

STAYING CHARGED UP

Maintain a prayerful attitude throughout the day. 

God doesn’t go anywhere. Still sovereign, good, and faithful. In the middle of the day, the issue isn’t God. It’s my pride that resists trusting/depending on Him.

All cares coming my way = provided by God specifically for the purpose of cultivating humility. 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And left steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. -James 1:2-4 (ESV)

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Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney