THE HUMBLE WILL BE EXALTED

James 4:6
Here, God gives us the solution and key to having a successful Christian life. This principle and truth universally and always.

Humility is the attitude that "I need help, I need God."

We must believe this, as much, as strongly and as seriously as anything else in the bible.

Genesis 37:2-4
It is normal to be proud when you are treated with greater favour than your older siblings, just as Joseph was favoured over his brothers.

Genesis 37:5-9
While no scripture specifically says that Joseph lacked humility, it is very normal for a teenager to react with pride when given a vision of how he would, in future, save his older brothers.

Joseph was to go on to become a slave and then a prisoner - all part of the humbling process.

The battle to overcome pride is constant. We are in danger when feel that we have overcome pride.

JOSEPH DECIDED TO:

1. BE A MAN CONSTANTLY DEPENDENT ON GOD

Genesis 49:22
In semi-arid places, a spring is constant, as opposed to rivers, which are seasonal, and may totally disappear up in the dry season. A spring is a constant source of water. Joseph was constantly drawing from God as his spiritual source.

Proverbs 25:27
As Christians and as leaders in the church, it is not about getting praise and recognition. It is about knowing that we are wretched, pitiful sinners, who need God and need help. We need to be aware of our weaknesses - not as a source of insecurity and instability, but as a source of understanding that we need help in order to grow.

We must expose the worst in us in order to bring out the best in us. A disciple planted by springs seeks to discover his weaknesses more than he seeks to exalt his strengths.

Q. How many times last year did you feel sidelined/overlooked/taken for granted/unappreciated/unnoticed? This communicates, "I deserve better." This is a mark of pride.

One who feels the above has a greater opinion of self than is justifiable. Be open always to the fact that you might not be everything you think you are. It is not to say that you are bad, but you, like anyone else, have things in your life that you need to change.

2. BELIEVE IN GOD'S PROVIDENCE

Genesis 49:22
Walls are formidable obstacles and when we encounter them we may be tempted to try and smash through them. But Joseph climbed over the wall, making it a support for him.

Genesis 50:20
Joseph's attitude towards all the ill that his brothers brought upon him is humble. Humility does not hit back but believes that our God is in control. It allows us to bring out good from a bad situation.

The opportunity to display humility arises when people do not treat you well.

God says that it is his to avenge - Deuteronomy 32:35, Hebrews 10:30. It is not for any of us to retaliate or attempt to exact revenge when we feel mistreated.

Q. How do you take correction? Do you take it well or with resentment?

The fact that are able to win arguments does not make you smart or spiritual. Sometimes it only demonstrates pride.

One of the greatest complements that anyone can pay you is to say that you are humble. The strength of an individual is shown by his humility.

Back to index of classes from the January 2005 East Africa Leadership Conference