HUMILITY!

James 4:8-10 "Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."
Back in the 60's I was serving as a Minuteman Missile Combat Crew Commander in Missouri. One Sunday our family was attending a church service and heard a man proudly offer a substantial gift for a special missionary project. He seemed so sincere and open that I was impressed.
After a few months of attending that church I happened to mention to the pastor about the generous nature of this man. It was then that I learned that he was not a regular tither or giver. The only time he contributed financially was when he could announce it to the congregation. The man was filled with pride.
Pride is an insidious thing and a quality that God despises. Unfortunately there are many proud people who are to be found in our churches, or at least claiming to be true believers. In today's Scripture we see what God thinks about pride.
When we come to God, we are to come with a broken and contrite spirit. We are told to make a move toward God and He will immediately draw near to us. It is then that we are to cleanse ourselves and focus our attention on Him. As we do, He will lift us up to be His radiant and faithful servants. Lord, give us a servant spirit!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
Pastor Cecil