The Bible says God exalts, promotes, the humble and resists the proud. I made a decision many years ago to be a humble person. The only way to be a humble person is by letting the Word of God show you what it is to be humble, studying about humility in the Word of God, and acting accordingly. Humility is yielding yourself to the Lordship of the Word of God.

 

That you're humble doesn't mean you're weak or naive, or humiliated; no. When you're humble, nothing, and no one, can humiliate you. It's like the old saying: "He that is down needs fear no fall; he that is low, no pride." This just means that you esteem others better than you, even though God is lifting you. When you find yourself in a position of authority, whether in the house of God, your place of work, or anywhere else, be humble. When you address others, choose your language carefully; use the right and most appropriate words. Don't use a proud language.

 

As you consciously practise being humble, the Lord will continually promote you. Never get to that point in your life where you relate to others with disdain; it's a dangerous place to be, because it means you're arrogating extra honour to yourself. The Bible says in Romans 12:10, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Philippians 2:3 says, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Never allow anything make you exhibit pride.

 

Our opening verse says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." Notice it says to humble yourself; don't let God be the one to humble you, because that'll be trouble. The Bible says He resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

 

Your humility can be tested in different ways. If for example, in your place of work, it looks as though your colleagues or even your juniors are being promoted ahead of you, and you've been diligent, don't be perturbed. Just remain humble, because there's a due time. When the due time for your promotion comes, what you'd get could be far greater than what you might have imagined. If you want the Lord to keep promoting and exalting you in life, then being humble is the key.