The Comparing Game (Humility)

 

When we measure and compare ourselves with others, we will either feel ourselves lacking and feeling inferior or we will be seeing ourselves as better than others.  Neither of these scenarios are pleasing to the Lord.

Both scenarios a comparison that creates jealousy and anger.  These are big hindrances to growing in humility.  The Bible verse 2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV tells us we are

 "without understanding"

 when we play the comparing game.

These can lead to devastating consequences.  It is not just child's play!

Think back to Cain and Abel.  Brothers - the first ever brothers of humanity.  Both worked hard at their vocations.  Cain - a vegetable farmer while Abel herded and tended sheep.  

When each brought an offering for the Lord, both brought from what they knew and what they valued.  We ask then, "Why?"  Why did the Lord regard Abel's offering over Cain's?

Seems like Cain had a right to be angry and jealous and want vindication.  The Bible doesn't indicate the Lord's reasons but we can surmise some.

God knows our hearts.  He knows what is deep down and what our motivations are.  He may well have accepted Abel's offering as more acceptable as Abel knew and understood what God wanted most.  Abel's heart attitude was wrapped in faith and humility.

On the other hand, Cain's heart may well have been proud of all his work, forgetting that despite all his weeding, fertilizing and tending of his crops, it was God who made it actually grow.  His jealousy led him to murder his brother Abel.  He had no understanding of what the Lord wanted.

From the New Testatment we see John the Baptist was one who knew what the Lord wanted.  He understood his role was to prepare the way for Jesus to come.  He did his ministry well and in the end he said about Jesus and himself,

"He (Jesus) must increase but I must decrease" (vs 30).

And so John exalted Jesus, which was right.  In this we can see John the Baptizer's humility.

Let's get before the Lord for this very serious matter especially since it can be a stumbling block and hindrance to our growth in humility.  Remember, all we have and our abilities come from the Lord.

                                                   ~ ERC  December 2025  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 10:12; Genesis 4:1-55 and James 3:14-16 ESV.

Sing, Humbled Heart, Litany of Humility.

Lord's Day Devotion - Quick to Forgive (Humility)

 We all know what an apple is like and can describe its characteristics well.  We might say it's a Red Delicious or Green Granny or has the dull brown with yellow or gold undertones of a Russet.  It's generally round in shape, with smooth-ish skin.  Then there's the crunchy munch of the white, sweet and juicy flesh.  And the adage,

"An apple a day will keep the doctor away,"

may come to mind.  There may be healing properties in an apple's essence.

Similarly, humility has characteristics.  These may be trickier to describe but we can suggest some to mediate upon.  These are good and encompass what the Lord requires of us in regards to doing justly and loving mercy as we walk humbly with our God (see Micah 6:8 NKJV).

There's focusing our attention on others.  When we do so we will be better able to respectfully listen to them in silence, with our lips zipped.  We will be more quick to forgive and see the best in others.  Tougher ones may be willingness to admit our own mistakes, to be giving and to not be too proud to ask others for help. 

A great verse from Proverbs can guide us and give us reason to consider these, although this 'list' is not exhaustive.

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom"          (Proverbs 11:2 ESV).

Our pride will be a huge blockade to operating our Christian lives with humility.

We can work on overcoming pride and growing in humility.  An apple tree does not grow up big and tall and fruitful overnight but there is steady growth with the right conditions.

We can think of Sister Phoebe that the apostle Paul spoke so highly of (see Romans 16:1-2).  She'd helped so many of the believers, Paul included.  This makes me believe she had the humility to focus on others and give 100% attention to them in silence.

She'd listen in silence, not interrupting or interjecting her own experiences and opinions.  No, she'd have very likely observed their faces and facial experessions and body language.  She'd have seen if they were tired, hungry, discouraged, angry, joyful, in sorrow or had some other need.  Then she'd fulfil and provide the lack appropriately, perhaps even unobtrusively.

This would be quiet humility in action.  One of the rewards of which is honor (see Proverbs 22:4 ESV).  Paul was basically telling the Romans to honor her by helping her help others in every possible way.  Phoebe hadn't been doing all she'd been doing to get this response, I believe, but rather because she loved mercy and had great compassion for others.

How often do we hold grudges?  Some hold them for days, months and years that add up to lifetimes.  Yet, if we are followers of Jesus Christ, we are told we MUST give just as Jesus did (see Colossians 3:12-13).  It is not easy to forgive offences and slights, and outright abuse and trauma perpetrated by others, especially those we thought we were close too.

I respect and admire Joseph's story.  O, how his brothers betrayed him and sold him away! The injustice then of Potiphar's wife's false accustations of a man of integrity and who feared God.  Joseph was whipped into prison and left to rot.

Eventually getting out of prison when he interpreted Pharoah's dreams, he was finally getting justice and honor, although that is not what he'd sought.  Being made second in the Egyptian kingdom was not anything he ever had aspired to.  His earlier dreams of his brothers' obeyance may well have puzzled him though throughout the years until then.

The famine years came upon the world and Joseph's brothers made the food trek to Egypt.  What a startling moment for Joseph when he recognized them!  It was his great chance to strike with revenge, big time!  But he didn't.  He did test them, but not out of vengeance (see Genesis 37, 39-45:8).

Eventually he revealed himself.  The brothers believed they were up a creek without a paddle then and bowed before Joseph in terror.  Joseph's reply brings me to tears.  The humility of it all.  The graciousness is mindboggling.  Read it for yourselves.

"And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselve because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life."

"And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors."

"It was not you who sent me here, but God.  He has made me a father to Pharaoh and Lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt" (Genesis 45:6-8 ESV).

Our Jesus forgives and He forgave the men who hung Him on the cross.  Think of all that injustice, being held there, that sinless, spotless, blameless Lamb of God.  Yet He forgave and immediately forgives the repentant ones - the ones who would admit and repent of their wrongs, mistakes and sins.

First John 1:9 reveals this immediateness.  We confess, He forgives.  Let's all be quick to forgive.  After all it is what Jesus does.  Let's follow our Leader who is our Savior and Lord.

Father God, we humbly partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine in remembrance of your costly sacrifice on our behalf.  May we show our gratitude by cultivating the attitude of Jesus of humility and quickness to forgive the repentent heart.  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                   ~ ERC  December 2025 ~

Based on Proverbs 11:2 NIV, Micah 6:8 NKJV, and Genesis 37, 39-45:8 ESV.

Sing, Forgiveness, along with Matthew West and Amazing Grace (Chains Gone), along with Michael W. Smith.

Prayer - 2026 Soul Search

 

Lord, am I happy with my status quo?  Or, do I want to gain more of you, my Savior Jesus Christ, in my life?  Do I want more of Your righteousness and goodness instead of all else that distracts?

I cannot totally, honestly say at the moment.  There is some resistance in my heart.  What would I need to displace?  Something I do not want to admit to myself, let alone to You, Lord.  Of course You already know though.  

Yet, You patiently wait.  You wait, ready and willing with already opened arms of love and care.  You wait for me to come humbly, willingly, honestly, really ready without heart hindrances or hesitations, to have more of you.  Thank You for Your patience, Lord.

                                                 ~  ERC  January 2026  ~

Based on Philippians 3:8 ESV.

Sing, I Surrender All, along with Reawaken.

Competitive Spirit (Humility)

 

Competition can be such a huge hindrance to cultivating humility.  Often there is no mercy shown to the opponents.  It has everything to do with winning.  The me, myself and I of the individual and even of the corporate, dog-eat-dog world.

Some people say competition is good because it sharpens people, giving them an edge to do better.  It keeps the mind active and nimble with little chance of becomig stagnant.  I admit there is some truth to it.

But then we have the Bible verse pinning us down,

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).

So is it okay for a follower of Jesus to be so competitive?  Do we just let the other team win?

It's rather confusing but I think that we can compete with excellence, and integrity and still do so in a Christlike manner.  As we compete we can show our faith by good sportsmenship, kindness and care for the other players or corporate businessmen.  With our integrity we play fair even if the referee or other authoritites don't see.

Keep in mind too, that earthly trophies and prizes are only temporary.  We don't make an idol out of winning nor do we boast about how good we are.  We need to remember others are well valued by, and significant to God, too.

I think it's good to honestly check ourselves.  Is there something about our competitive spirit that is hindering us from growing in humility?  If we can't see it, ask the Lord to reveal it to us so it can be dealt with.

Pray now.

                                                ~  ERC  December 2025  ~

Based on Philippians 2:3 ESV

Sing, Humbled Heart, along with Sarah Kroger (Acoustic).

S - E - L - F (Humility)

 

There are hindrances to humility.  One big one of course, is pride.  Another on is S - E - L- F.  In other words, 'ME,' 'Myself' and 'I.'  We get in our own way with selfishness.

"Pride leads to destruction," the Bible says,  "and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18 ESV).

Like Humpty Dumpty who had a great fall, our pride can lead to our own destruction.  A haughty spirit looks down on people seeing them as far inferior  to our own selfish and supposed greatness  We hold them in contempt as if they were a cockroach to be slapped dead with a flipflop or trampled under our feet.

This is our sin sickness at some of its worst presentation.  Our hearts only think of SELF and what Me, Myself and I want.  It is always putting SELF first.  Can you see how this is a great hindrance to growing any humility in our souls?

The good news is though, that unlike the king's horses and king's men who couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again, Jesus can put us together again.

All our pride, arrogance and haughtiness can be repented of.  We can bow before the Lord in confession of these attitudes that highly displease Him.  We can then decide on a new course of action.  That is, we can choose to put Jesus first and others next before ourselves.  And when we empty ourselves of SELF, God can begin to deal with us and create in us something new.   Our hearts can be mended and we can begin to grow some humility - humilty that's more like Christ's.

Father, be merciful to me a sinner - a very selfish one.  I surrender my pride and haughtiness to You.  I'm sorry for all that behavior.  Help me to grow in humility to become more like Your son Jesus.  I ask in His name, amen.

                                                   ~  ERC  December 2025  ~

Based on Proverbs 16:18 ESV.

Sing, All My Boast is in Jesus, along iwth Keith and Kristyn Getty and Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Bryan Fowler.

Swallowing Our Pride (Humility)

 

Why is it so hard for us to ask for help?  We take some wrong turns, our phone batteries need recharging or we can't get a WiFi signal to connect to Waze or Google Maps.  But there are some local people nearby, yet we are very hestitant to ask for directions from them.

Or we are in more serious trouble or difficulties and we really can't go it alone.  But a lump comes into our throats and we block ourselves from getting the help we need.

What are we afraid of?

Oh someone might see us as weak, or bothersome, hopeless and helpless?  It costs us our pride, to ask, I believe.  We have all likely felt this.  We have to swallow this pride in order to get help.

Actually, I think most people are willing to help but may not know how to help unless specifically asked to help in a specific way.  But I think the worst fear might be that someone will say, "NO!"

No, they won't help.  Nevermind, seek out others willing to do so.  

A characteristic of humility is to ask for help.  Did you know that?  We can also ask Jesus for help.  He said to come to Him, all who are tired and feel like they have a heavy weight on their back.  He says He'll give us rest when we do come to Him.

He can also guide us into a good answer (see Mathtew 11:26) and perhaps even a good person to ask for help from.

Listen quietly to the song linked below.  Close your eyes and listen well.  Let the tears flow if need be.  The message is there.  In humility, ask for help.

Father God, there's times I'm very relectant to ask for help from people when I can't solve things on my own.  Teach me to swallow my pride and fear, and seek the help I need.  I need Your rest too.  Help me to find the right person who will listen and help me with _________.  Thank You, in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                             ~ ERC  December 2025 ~

Based on Matthew 11:28.

Sing, Lord, I Need You, along with Matt Maher.

"I Have Sinned" (Humility)

 If someone listed out all your mistakes and sins and stuck the list up in your church foyer or the office break room, what would you do?  How would you feel?  Could you admit that they were true?

It certainly would NOT be easy to do so.  We'd likely feel deep embarassment and shame at many of them.  However, did you know that admitting to our mistakes (& even sins) is considered a characteristic of humility?

The Bible tells us that,

"If we confess and forsake them we will have God's mercy and even find healing"       (see Proverbs 28:13 & James 5:16).

Adam and Eve and the prodigal son are great illustraions of this.  Adam and Eve sinned but didn't want to admit to it.  In fact, they pushed the blame to others.  Adam pointed to Eve, and Eve pointed to the serpent, "She made me do it."  And from Eve, "The serpent made me do it."    God did punish them with consequencies even though they didn't verbally own up to their sin (see Genesis 3:12-19).  They knew they were quilty, which we can see by their actions, and they knew God knew and God knew that they knew.

In the New Testatment we come across another scenario.  Once the prodigal son came to his senses he went back to his father and said,

 "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you ...."  

He had repented of his sins and confessed them.  He definitely admitted his wrongs.  In the end his father blessed him with honor and life in the family.  He had done what was good and what the Lord requires (see Luke 15:17-21).

We can think on these and examine ourselves.  If we are to be humble and obedient servants of the Lord, following His footsteps, we will stop our various bad habits of say, gossiping, being critical of others, speaking sharp words, bullying and backstabbing and more.  We will admit our mistakes as well as our sins, to ourselves and the other appropriate ones connected to the respective episodes.  

We will realize that our sins are against God first and foremost and then against those we have sinned against, as did the prodigal son.  Our hearts are deceitful so we need to seek the Lord and the Holy Spirit's intervention to see these and to repent and admit.  The Lord will forgive (see 1 John 1:9).  His love, mercy and grace never fail, nor does His forgiveness.

Making it right with other people hurt or harmed by us will also require our humility to approach them but it is part of our Christian living we must do.  Do you feel the burn in your heart over this?  Allow your mind tp course through the years and pinpoint any episodes that have not had any or full closure.  

Emotional and spiritual heartburn (conviction) will need addressing.  For these we need to discern the Lord's guidance for approach, attitude and words to wisely speak.  I think even to create the opportunity for our importunity.

Lord Jesus, I seek Your cleasing blood of forgiveness and mercy for the mistake and sins I've done, especially in regards to __________.  I admit to and repent of this.  Help me now to rectify this with _________.  Thank You.  Amen.

                                                    ~ ERC  December 2025 ~

Based on Proverbs 28:13, James 5:16, and 1 John 1:9.

Sing, Come, Jesus Come, along with CeCe Winans and Lord, I Need Your Help, along with Upper Room.