Part Two: God Gives to the Humble

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
Psalm 84:11

Have you ever watched an excellent leader give a great speech?

Two things that I’ve noticed about most great leaders when they speak:
They tend to use self-deprecating humor, and they laud other people’s achievements rather than solely highlighting their own.
That’s a sign of humility, and most of us can spot and appreciate genuine humility because it’s NOT common to man.

Humility is a great trait and it’s one that God encourages in His Word:
“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.”
(Proverbs 22:4)

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

One of the things that I appreciate about prominent people using self-deprecating humor and exalting others is this: They’re resisting the sin nature of self-promotion and self-exaltation.
Instead they model humility.

God doesn’t need to use self-deprecating humor because He doesn’t need to humble Himself.
He is holy, blameless, pure, and undefiled by sin.
He is the only one who is able to give undeserved grace to sinners like us.
And He’s the only one who can rightfully promote people for the right reasons, in a world that promotes people for all the wrong reasons.

The Psalmist stated above that “the LORD will give grace and glory.”

Here’s how to receive His grace:
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
(James 4:6)

Here’s how to receive His glory:
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”
(1 Peter 5:6)

The bottom line is humility.
Keep God in His rightful place.
(Psalm 100:3)