“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:8 (NIV)
It is said that wheat and tares grow together and look very similar, but once they mature there is one key distinction. While the tare stands upright, the wheat bends over because of the weight of its head. It literally bows down! The difference between wheat and tares in the end is humility! There is a separation going on in the church right now. Whether you call it wheat and tares, sheep and goats, true and false, humility and pride are what’s at the core.
Humility says others are more important than self (Philippians 2:3). Humility is the cornerstone for unity. Humility forgives. Humility is a vital ingredient in revival. Humility draws God close (James 4:6-8). Humility reveals and repents of sin once it is exposed. Humility is often painful in the short turn as it comes with a cost. And humility is willing to deal with the ugly stuff.
On the other hand, pride says others are the competition. Pride is the cornerstone of division. Pride remembers and hold grudges. Pride will cut revival short, or block it from being released in the first place. Pride pushes God away. Pride hides and denies hidden and secret sin. Pride may feel good in the moment but the ultimate cost is huge. And pride wants to keep the ugly stuff hidden, but like a cancer it will kill if not removed.
Ask God to reveal any trace of pride in your heart. Confess it and ask Him to replace it with humility. Ask God to deal with pride in your church at every level, and across our city. Ask God for a grace over His people across Athens to humble themselves, and pray, to seek His face and to turn from everything that offends Him (2 Chronicles 7:14). Thank Him for pouring out His grace on the humble in our city and lifting up the humble church to a new level of authority and impact in Athens Georgia (James 4:10).
