"The Key to EVERYTHING" September 4 Readings: Isaiah 19-20, 1 Corinthians 7:17–40, Psalm 104:16–22, Proverbs 22:3–4

Today's Readings -  Isaiah 19-20, 1 Corinthians 7:17–40, Psalm 104:16–22, Proverbs 22:3–4

Devotional 

How is that title for a little bit of hyperbole? But when you read Proverbs, it actually isn't. In fact, the point I will make today is one of the clear teachings in all of Scripture.

What is the root of all sin? The Bible makes that pretty clear. We read stories of what caused the greatest of the angelic beings to rebel against God and become Satan, the accuser, the enemy of God. We then see that same creature, in the form of a serpent, speaking to Adam and Eve and appealing to them on the same basis. The sin was pride. Rather than serving God, Adam and Eve could "become like gods" instead, if they only sinned.

Pride is an insult to God - when we lift ourselves up to a standing we do not deserve we automatically demean God. Pride is rebellion, the failure to recognize God for who he is and see ourselves in the light of his glory and greatness.

And pride is self-destructive. The proud cannot experience God's blessings or power, eliminating themselves by their arrogance.

Proverbs has a lot to say about the dangers of pride and the blessings of humility.  Proverbs 22:4 is one of those verses.

Humility, the fear of the Lord,

results in wealth, honor, and life.

The implication is that all of these blessings flow from humility and the fear of the Lord. What is clear in this verse and in the rest of Proverbs is that the fear of the Lord is the key to all the blessings that God has for us as his people. But to fear God we must humble ourselves - stop relying on our own wisdom and thinking so highly of ourselves.

Humility is part and parcel of a proper relationship with God and an attitude of holy awe, of respectful fear. We cannot walk with God and walk in pride at the same time. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord," God's word commands.

When we humble ourselves before God, he lifts us up and pours out blessings on us. Our verse today describes them as wealth, honor, and life. Humility brings blessing.

Father, may I walk in humility, recognizing that I am nothing without you, that it is only by your grace that I stand. 

Think and Pray

Do you live in the fear of the Lord - honoring God enough to obey him and follow his word?
Do you serve yourself, or humble yourself to serve the Living God?