14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Being just and righteous and upright before God begins with our humility. True humility is a rare gem is it not? In our verse for today, Jesus ends the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector with what I am sure was a big surprise O’Henry ending for the Pharisee! Righteous in his own eyes, the Pharisee fell woefully short of righteousness in God’s. Scripture tells us:
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 (NIV)
Of this verse the Bible Knowledge Commentary states:
“God opposes the proud. The word “opposes,” or “resists,” is antitassetai, a military term meaning “to battle against.” To the humble, however, God gives grace. Whether a believer is called to resist his human spirit which tends toward envy or to rejoice in the Holy Spirit who jealously yearns for each believer’s edification, the call is to shun pride and to submit humbly to God’s authority. The cure for conflict is a humble spirit which is rewarded by God’s unmerited favor.”
The wonderful news is that as we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He will lift us up. Peter tells us:
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Trust me; it is so much better for God to exalt than for man (or our own lips by the way!). What does it really matter what man thinks anyway? Interestingly, God sees everything that happens to His child – every slight, every hurt, every misunderstanding. He knows every motive of the heart that prompts each action. He knows the heart through and through this is why He tells us to leave revenge up to Him. He takes care of defending His own and He does it perfectly. We need not worry about our own defense.
“Man sees your actions, but God, your motives.” Thomas a Kempis
4 For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Psalms 149:4 (NIV)
Our troubles occur when we take measures into our own hands – making sure all know how right we are! Beware, pride is an insidious monster! Paul tells us in Romans:
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord . Romans 12:17-19 (NIV)
Scripture tells us that as followers of Christ we are to walk as He did (and this does not include strutting I might add!). God’s goal is for us to be like Jesus – conformed to His image:
This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6 (NIV)
Jesus even uses the word “humble” to describe Himself. If the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is gentle and humble, how much more so should we be? We find His words in Matthew:
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30 (NIV)
“This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness; not health, but healing; not being but becoming; not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it. The process is not yet finished, but it is going on. This is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.” Martin Luther, “Defense and Explanation of All the Articles”