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by Donna Ames, Major –
If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Would you rather be known as a part of a “proud people” or a “humble people”? If you
hadn’t been reminded of the 2 Chronicles verse, would your answer have been different? It almost seems like a trick question. In our culture today, pride has become a positive characteristic (“I’m proud to be an American”) and humbleness often has negative associations (“humble beginnings” or “to be humbled”). This is very different from how we see these words used in scripture.
Jesus was critical of the Pharisees’ pride. Old Testament prophets preached against the proud, and Proverbs warns that pride comes before a fall. Paul, who had every reason to be proud, wrote to one New Testament church after another on the importance of the virtue of true humility for the Christian life. A closer look at these passages reveals that God’s perspective on pride and humility has always been counter to the wider culture.
Why is humility such an issue for both the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles? Perhaps the key lies in Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:29, “…learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NRSV) Jesus modeled humility and calls us to have the same attitude, not as a debasement or punishment but as the way to true Christian freedom from self and rest in Christ’s adequacy.
I believe that it is significant that 2 Chronicles 7:14, a key verse about revival, mentions the need for God’s people to humble themselves first, even before prayer and repentance. For if we do not come before God in humility, how can our prayers and repentance be sincere and honest? If our pride is in the way, how can the Holy Spirit break through and do his work? If we do not exhibit humility of spirit, how can we count ourselves as true disciples of Christ?
Would you rather be known as a part of a “proud people” or a “humble people”? Our answer to that question could make all the difference in the answer to our prayers for revival for our territory.
On May 13 – 16, Salvationists from all around the territory are going to gather at Crestmont, in a spirit of humility and faith, for a Prayer and Revival Summit. Led by gifted preachers and Bible teachers, we will join together in prayer, worship and Bible study to seek God’s wisdom and fresh anointing for revival across our territory.
To learn more about how to be a part of this event contact your corps officer or see the contact information in the Summit advertisement below.
