Two men went up into the temple [enclosure] to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee took his stand ostentatiously and began to pray thus before and with himself: God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of men–extortioners (robbers), swindlers [unrighteous in heart and life], adulterers–or even like this tax collector here. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I gain. But the tax collector, [merely] standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but kept striking his breast, saying, O God, be favorable (be gracious, be merciful) to me, the especially wicked sinner that I am! I tell you, this man went down to his home justified (forgiven and made upright and in right standing with God), rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:10-14 AMPC

Pride is one of the things that hinders our relationship with God. When we are prideful we underestimate the work of the blood of Jesus Christ in our lives. It is through the blood of Jesus Christ that we all are saved. It’s the blood of Jesus that fulfilled the old covenant and established the new. Without the blood non of us will ever have the opportunity of a new beginning. So when we boast because of our deeds in the Kingdom we missed the entire essence of our salvation which through the blood of Jesus by grace not because we’re qualified. It’s His blood that qualifies us for relationship not our good deeds or how we are used by the Spirit of the Lord.

Whenever we are not humble is difficult for us to reap the benefits of relationship.

That’s why God resist the proud and exalts the humble. A humble person is willing to submit to God Almighty and serve with a servant heart, but a prideful person finds it difficult to submit. Because his or her own deeds are their own god.

Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)–[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)–[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. [Prov. 3:34.] Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,” 1 Peter 5:5-6 AMPC

It’s about time we stay humble for God Almighty to be exalted in our lives through our relationship with Him.

Let’s pray together:

Heavenly Father I thank You for Your word. I humble myself today to You. Be thou exalted in all that concerns me in Jesus Christ mighty name. Amen