April 24: Humble Living

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

When we think of humble living, we may visualize someone like Abraham Lincoln’s life in a log cabin. To say that a person had a “humble beginning” almost always refers to living in dire circumstances, almost in poverty. Yet humble living as a goal must be projected to include wealthy people also. What principles of humble living apply equally to people in all walks of life?

• High on the Bible’s list is to avoid worldly pleasures (vv. 1-5a). The wealthy possess the financial means to indulge the physical desires to the fullest. Many entertainers and high-priced athletes ignore all moral constraints, living the life of the so-called “beautiful people.” However, the divorce and civil law courts are jammed with the evidence of their failed lifestyles.

The rich and famous do not have the field to themselves. The wars and fighting among us rise from lustful desires which no physical contact or attraction can satisfy. The ultimate experience is always just one more encounter away. Those who pray cloak their lustful desires in a posture of submission to God. Psychological pressure always warps prayer to suit one’s desires.

• Before temptation even arises, believers must trust God to help them make wise decisions (vv. 5b-10). The “spirit that dwelleth in us” probably refers to the ministry of the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of our Lord’s promise of the Spirit to be sent to us (John 14:16, 26). God has not left us defenseless at those times when satanic forces assault the soul. The proud may feel self-sufficient, and God may let them experiment by themselves, but to those humbly seeking His way, He gives grace in the time of need. They resist the devil in the power of the Holy Spirit and experience the freedom of having him flee in defeat (v. 7). In drawing near to God, we enter into an intimate connection with Him (v. 8).

Resisting the devil, the “slanderer,” requires more than words. The 10 verbs, all of them commands, in verses 7-10 describe the radical break between us and the former way of living. clean hands, pure hearts, and a mind centered on the new life in Christ (v. 8) lead us to mourn over sin and weep over the devil’s constant assault on the soul. In these decisions of humbleness before the Lord, He will lift us up. Friendship with God brings its own reward by confirming the wisdom of choosing righteousness.

• Because the life of humble living brings immediate self-satisfaction, do not procrastinate (vv. 13-15). We sometimes hear the tongue-in-cheek advice, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can put off until the day after tomorrow.” In putting off decisions until a more convenient time, life slips away from us. We mentally agree that any plans we have for the future depend on uncertain events. Both individuals and churches ought to have long-range goals and strategies to meet them, but a sudden death, community tragedy, or natural disaster can change everything. Our lives depend on God, not on circumstances.

• Finally, humble living should automatically exclude boastfulness (vv. 16-17). Every age has its own reasons to boast. Youth rejoice in their physical vigor (as shown in football) or beauty (think of cheerleaders). Young adults boast about high-paying jobs and positions. We seniors brag about our grandchildren. Whatever the occasion, boasting about material blessings takes away from honoring God. Success in life depends on many factors beyond our control. We should be contented with living consecrated lives. Knowing and doing good should be inseparable, like ham and eggs or biscuits and gravy.