“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Humiliation of soul always brings a positive blessing with it.
If we empty our hearts of self—then God will fill them with His love.
Stoop, if you would climb to Heaven. You must grow downward, that you may grow upward. The sweetest fellowship with Heaven is to be had by humble souls, and by them alone. God will deny no blessing to a thoroughly humbled spirit. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven”—along with all its riches and treasures.
God blesses us all up to the full measure of what it is safe for Him to do. If you do not get a particular blessing—it is because it is not safe for you to have it! If our heavenly Father were to let your unhumbled spirit win a victory in His holy war—you would pilfer the crown for yourself! And meeting with a fresh enemy, you would fall a victim. He keeps you low for your own safety.
When a man is sincerely humble and never ventures to touch so much as a grain of the praise—there is scarcely any limit to what God will do for him. Humility makes us ready to be blessed by the God of all grace, and fits us to deal efficiently with our fellow men.
True humility is a flower that will adorn any garden. Whether it is prayer or praise, whether it is work or suffering—the genuine salt of humility cannot be used in excess.
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another—because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time!” 1 Peter 5:5-6
Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) is one of the most widely read preachers in history and is known by many as the Prince of Preachers. Spurgeon was pastor of the New Park Street Chapel (later the Metropolitan Tabernacle) in London. His works are now in the public domain.
