A Life in Exile

I started a practice last year of reading one verse in the book of Proverbs each day. It’s taking a metaphorical bite of the Bible and chewing on it. Sometimes we think of a proverb as having nothing to do with the related verses: each one is a self-contained truth. While that can sometimes be the case, I’m finding as I work through this book, that there is more connection than meets the eye. Take today’s lesson from the Old Testament.

He mocks those who mock but gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34 CSB)

As Solomon encourages his son to seek the wisdom that comes from God, he will bring up truths about the wider world to offer a contrast to the kind of life characteristic of the righteous person. In this third chapter of Proverbs, the final ten or so verses offer some of the ways the world works. They are shared in “don’t do this” statements.

• Don’t withhold good.
• Don’t tell your neighbor to come back later.
• Don’t plan harm against your neighbor.
• Don’t accuse without cause.
• Don’t envy a violent man.
• Don’t be devious or violent.

He makes it clear that the Lord is not pleased with this kind of behavior. In a word, it is WICKED. God will not bless those who are not living according to his Word, and that includes those who mock others. Where do we get this kind of attitude that leads to mocking? Pride. Put another person down to prove you’re better. God doesn’t like that. What does he like? Humility.

What does he do for the humble? He gives them grace.

Pride within the Body.

This verse comes up again in a letter written by James, the brother of Jesus and the head of the church in Jerusalem during those early years after the ascension. You may remember his letter because of his emphasis on faith versus works. We will move on to the fourth chapter of his letter, as he addresses fights within the church. Yes, church conflicts are nothing new, because from the beginning, the struggle between the natural and spiritual man was real in the lives of Christ-followers, and when it was not under control, it affected the Body.

James was pretty sharp with them about allowing their passions to gain the upper hand and told them: “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?” (James 4:4). Thankfully, the grace mentioned all the way back in Proverbs is greater than any earthly struggle with pride.

Or do you think it’s without reason that the Scripture says: The spirit he made to dwell in us envies intensely? But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:5-7)

What do we do when we struggle with other believers? When we let pride gain the upper hand? Humble ourselves to God, submit to him, and resist the devil.

Pride within the leadership.

This tendency toward pride is not just reserved for the average church-going believer. Nope, pride can infect those who lead the church, and in many cases, they are the ones who must fight the hardest against it.

Peter writes about this in his letter, and warns leaders not to shepherd from wrong motives, like compulsion, greed, and a desire for power. No, those who minister to the Body must do so as living examples to the flock of the Christ-surrendered life. Those who lead and those who follow are to humble themselves to God.

In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:5-7)

When all in the Body of Christ humble themselves to the leadership of God and to his Word, they open the door to grace given out of God’s care for us. He knows we cannot get through the struggles of this world without it, and when we submit in humility, he showers us with the grace we need each moment of each and every day. This decreases the struggles within the church and increases our strength to face those outside the church.

Reap the rewards of humbling yourself before the Lord.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Learning from the Past post, click HERE, or start the series from the BEGINNING.