Paul's Humility

Have you ever had a great revelation? Has God shown you something so great and amazing that you wanted to tell everyone? Paul told of his experience in 2 Corinthians 12. However, he did not bring attention to himself—his revelation was about his weaknesses.

I don’t know how many of us could be so bold and open about what God wanted us to work on and be silent about other things that would impress many. Paul demonstrated amazing humility. Don’t misunderstand. It appears that He did not think less of himself than he should—just thought about himself less often. He seems more concerned with God being glorified than with receiving approval from others, and more concerned with others knowing God than with them knowing him.

In verse 7, we read: “So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud” (NLT).

Why would pride be so bad? I mean, we all want to feel good about ourselves, right?

Pride gets our eyes off God and onto ourselves. Pride separates us from God. Therefore, it says in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Why does God oppose (or resist) the proud? Simple. I believe He is trying to protect them. Proverbs 16:18 tells us that pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

I do not believe God wants us to fall or, even worse, be destroyed. God reveals Himself and draws us closer to Him and His protection. He reveals our pride and shortcomings. When He does, we are protected from ways that distance us from Him. It is all about relationship.

So, when God reveals something to you that needs to change, what do you do? There are two options: You could repent and experience revival in your life or, instead, rebel and reject the truth (reject God) and head down a road you don’t want to be on, headed straight for destruction.

As for me, I want to be like Paul. I want the world to know my weaknesses, so that they may see God’s strength at work in me and through me that they may know God for themselves.

May I challenge you today? Share your weaknesses and how God is your strength. Let the world see Jesus in you that they may ask, “What must I do to be saved?”

Let’s pray: Father God, we know Your Word tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Father, help us trust You and humble ourselves before You and others. Let our lives be a light that draws sinners out of darkness. Keep us from pride and destruction. Let us hear Your voice as You guide us through Your Word, the Bible. Forgive us for our past and guide us into humility as we walk with You into the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.