Hi everyone! I pray your week was amazing and that you are excited to read today’s devotional. Open your Bibles to Psalm 115:1 & Luke 18:9-14. “As followers of Christ, we are called to be humble in all that we say and do.”
Pride is a deceptive and dangerous influence, quietly undermining our relationships, distorting our self-perception, and pulling us away from God’s glory. It demonstrates a tendency to place personal importance before others and, ultimately, before God. But Scripture calls us to a different path—one marked by humility, surrender, and reliance on the Creator. Psalm 115:1 offers a profound reminder of who truly deserves the credit for our successes, “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” This verse challenges the natural tendency of humans toward self-promotion and pride, pointing instead to God’s sovereignty and grace. By gaining humility, we acknowledge that everything we have—talents, opportunities, and victories—comes not from our own achievements but from the hand of a loving and faithful God. One of Jesus’s most striking parables on humility can be found in Luke 18:9-14. Here, He contrasts the prayers of a self-righteous Pharisee with those of a repentant tax collector, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” The Pharisee’s prayer is laced with pride and judgment, boasting of his righteousness and looking down on others. The tax collector, however, approaches God with a broken spirit, fully aware of his own sinfulness and unworthiness. Jesus commends the tax collector’s humility, illustrating that true exaltation comes not from self-importance but from a heart surrendered to God. Humility opens the door for God’s transformative work in our lives. When pride is removed, we create space for virtues such as compassion, kindness, and service to flourish. Pride isolates, but humility fosters connection—with God and with others. It allows us to see people through God’s eyes and serve with genuine love. Choosing humility over pride isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a spiritual act of surrender. It’s recognizing that we are wholly dependent on God for every aspect of our lives. As Psalm 115:1 reminds us, God alone deserves the glory. And in humbling ourselves, we follow the example set by Jesus, who lived the ultimate life of humility and sacrificial love. May we learn to embrace this spirit of humility, trusting God’s promise in Luke 18:14, “Those who humble themselves will be exalted.” What greater reward could there be than to be lifted up by His grace?
Let’s discuss what we just learned. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below, we can discuss them together!
- How do you struggle with pride?
- How does the gospel and God’s character humble you?
- Reread Psalm 115:1. Write a prayer of praise to the Lord below, asking God for who He is and what He has done for you through Christ.
“The more we gaze upon God’s glory; the less pride will fester in our hearts.” Look up “Rock of Ages” by Augutus Toplady and read Psalm 62:1-2. How does this hymn and verse encourage or challenge you?
Today’s verse for Lent prayer is Romans 12:1 and the prayer prompt is, “Pray that you will be a living sacrifice to God through your words and actions in response to His great merceries.”
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Monday we will discuss Trading Selfishness for Selflessness. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.