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God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto
the humble
Jm4:6 and 1Pt5:5b Grace is the outside fact in human history. Because it can not be accounted for in the world at all, it should give hope to the poorest and weakest of men. Religion is man’s attempt at reaching God. If man could reach God without grace, then religion would be sufficient. If all it took was strength and determination and willpower, then we would not need grace. Those who were born with natural prowess would have within themselves the ability to reach heaven and those who did not would fail. It would simply be a matter of natural selection. This, however, is not the case. Because of grace, the power of God made manifest on our behalf, even the weakest and poorest can receive eternal life. St. Paul states that “we are saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves; it is a gift of God not of works lest any man boast.” The theme for James, Peter, and Paul is that grace is available to all: all that are humble enough to receive it. We can not earn our salvation, buy it, or work for it, if we could, then salvation would not be a gift but a debt owed. Faith comes by hearing and salvation comes by grace through faith. So those who hear the salvation message and humble themselves and repent for their sin will receive the gift of grace and the gift of eternal life. Those who think they deserve salvation because of who they are and what they have done will find themselves outside the will of God and go away empty. We all need grace not only for salvation but also to continue the race that God has established for us to run. Many a minister has begun the race in humility but when they have received a measure of grace they fail to reach the finish line because pride has entered into their lives. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. For those who find it easy to run the Christian race, for those who are blessed with gifts and grace, make sure you acknowledge God as the source and reason for your success rather than your strength and determination. The grace of trials and temptations has been for me a source of humility knowing that I could never accomplish anything in life without the grace of God. To continue to tap into the grace of God remain humble. Recognize that God can elevate the lowly and meek and that God resists the proud. When once we realize our own poverty and weakness and our need for God, then grace will enter and God will get all the glory. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and God will lift you up. (Jm4:10) Grace is available to all: to all who will press in and receive, to all who will see their own limit and lack and acknowledge their need for God, his love, mercy, and grace. Amen |