For some of us, humility is as simple as remembering how your life began. I remember being the hyperactive misfit who could not behave and in some classrooms was ostracized by both teachers and students. No matter what I might achieve in life, I will never forget where I came from—and I will not forget I owe everything to the grace of God.
Israel had difficult beginnings. God explains:
“Your umbilical cord wasn’t cut on the day you were born. You weren’t washed with water… or wrapped in cloths…, but you were thrown out into the open field because you were despised. I passed by and saw you lying in your blood, and I said to you, ‘LIVE!’… I made you thrive like the plants of the field. You grew up and matured and became very beautiful…. I spread the edge of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you and you became Mine. … I anointed you with oil. I clothed you in embroidered cloth and leather sandals. I wrapped you in fine linen and silk. I adorned you with jewelry, bracelets, chains, rings, earrings, tiara—all of silver and gold… You became EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL and attained ROYALTY. Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through MY SPLENDOR, WHICH I HAD BESTOWED ON YOU” Ezekiel 16:4-14.
When you were born again, God redeemed you. He exchanged your mess for His mercy. He covered your nakedness and shame with His beauty and splendor. And every year you walk with Him, He makes you more beautiful, fills you with more of His splendor and glory.
But you MUST REMAIN HUMBLE. Give God the glory. Ezekiel reports that Israel became proud and spent the beauty God gave it on lust and idolatry—and God nearly destroyed the nation as a result.
God, thank you for Your grace which fills our lives with beauty and purpose. Keep us humble every day, remembering all You have done for us.
ΑΩ
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