The Flow of Grace

             
                 “God opposes the proud, but gives grace (shows favor) to the humble…
                            Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
                                                                  James 4:6, 10 ESV (NIV)

    Are you a Grace Magnet—attracting and receiving God’s grace? Or are you a Grace Repeller—resisting and rejecting God’s favor? Every day, in many different ways, each one of us chooses between pride and humility.

    I admit it. There have been many times when I’ve been self-centered, self-focused, and self-absorbed. It’s true. I was all wrapped up in me, yielding to the evil trinity of Me, Myself, and I—you know, the three of us. My interactions with God and other people were, at the root, self-serving. Sometimes blatant and obvious, other times subtle and sneaky. Every time it was pride. Can you relate?

    Pride says, “I’ll do this my way, in my time, with my strength. I don’t want God or anyone else’s help. Get out of my way!” Spiritual pride sneaks up on us saying, “Me and my group are the only ones who have it right (whatever “it” is: grace, faith, etc). We’re the ones who truly understand it, teach it, and walk in it properly. If you don’t see it, say it, and do it like we do, you’re wrong. That’s why I’m justified in looking down on you.” Fiercely independent, pride also says, “I don’t need anybody.” All this blocks the flow of grace and draws God’s opposition. NO THANKS!!!
 
    The longer I’ve known and followed Jesus, the more He’s been working humility deep into my heart. Humility agrees with God and His Word, even in the face of adversity. Humility inspires wholehearted dependence on the Lord, and a healthy interdependence on others, especially His people. Humility acknowledges God and gives Him the praise, honor, worship, and thanks He deserves. A humble person recognizes their need for wisdom, guidance, strength, and help, and receives God’s abundant supply through whatever channel He chooses to send it. They’re also able both to give and receive from others, as the Lord directs. A humble person’s interactions with people are characterized by service, thankfulness, and love. Would these things describe you today?

    How have you humbled yourself before the Lord? Some ways I have include: obeying God to do something uncomfortable, asking someone for help, apologizing to my wife and kids, standing on the Word during difficult circumstances, laying flat on my face in prayer and worship expressing my complete dependence on Him, taking a financial class, fasting, and thanking God before I saw the answer manifest. Let’s continue humbling ourselves and receiving God’s grace and favor together!