As I delved into the book of Obadiah, one verse struck me profoundly: “The pride of your heart has deceived you” Obadiah 1:3. This powerful reminder led me to reflect on the nature of our hearts, which can be deceitfully wicked, as Jeremiah 17:9 warns us. Even as believers, like the Apostle Paul, we grapple with the sin that dwells within us. Romans 7 Recently, I’ve found myself wrestling with pride, stemming from a hidden anger over the injustices I perceive in the world around me. This anger, when left unaddressed, festers within and can lead to a prideful heart.
As I read Obadiah, I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me to explore Scripture further—specifically, verses about pride and humility. God’s Word serves as a mirror for our souls, offering both encouragement and correction. I noticed many passages that contrast pride and humility, reminding me that we have a choice: to walk in pride, which leads to destruction, or to embrace humility, allowing God to use us for His purposes. I long to be used by Him and avoid the painful consequences of pride. Here are some practical ways to help ensure a life of humility.
Submission To God
The importance of submission to God is paramount. Recognizing that He is God and I am merely His creation is crucial. When I start to feel entitled or think I deserve more, I place myself on the throne that belongs to Him alone. He is sovereign, and understanding that I am the clay while He is the potter helps me trust in His perfect plans, even when I find myself in difficult situations. Romans 9:20-21
Time in His Word
Additionally, I must evaluate how much time I spend in His Word. The Scriptures are the lens through which I can see my life aligned with His will. The more I immerse myself in His truth, the more humility will blossom within my heart. However, merely reading the Bible isn’t enough; I must obey its teachings. Like following a recipe, if I don’t adhere to God’s commands, I can’t expect my life to reflect His goodness. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15 This obedience is key to dismantling pride and walking humbly before God.
Passionate Prayer Life
This leads me to the necessity of prayer. Do I approach my Creator with the same urgency I feel in times of crisis? When faced with sin, do I run to Him in desperation? Pride reminds me that my very existence depends on God, and I want to cultivate a deeper prayer life. Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 which keeps God at the forefront of my mind.
Fasting Lifestyle
In my recent readings of ancient letters, creeds, and confessions from the early church, one practice stands out as a powerful spiritual discipline: fasting. These early believers understood fasting not as a ritual to gain favor with God but as a heartfelt commitment to seek Him and draw closer to His presence. They dedicated specific times to step away from worldly pleasures, focusing instead on prayer and meditating on His Word.
Unlike the long, drawn-out fasts we sometimes see today, their approach was often simple and regular: a weekly fast until sundown, followed by a temperate meal, often consisting of vegetables instead of meat. This wasn’t about extremes or gaining something from God; it was about cultivating a relationship with Him and acknowledging their dependence on His grace.
In our modern world, fasting seems to have polarized into two extremes: the lengthy fasts that last 21 to 40 days or the complete absence of fasting altogether. While intermittent fasting has gained popularity for health reasons, I want to emphasize the deeper, spiritual significance of true fasting. This is a time when we intentionally separate ourselves from worldly distractions, dedicating our hearts and minds to God’s Word and prayer.
We fast not to gain financial blessings, physical health, or personal favor, but simply because we love God and recognize our profound need for Him in every aspect of our lives. Fasting is an act of humility, a way to surrender our desires and align our hearts with His will.
Conclusion
When we choose to walk humbly before God and others, pride loses its grip on our lives. We can strive for humility by confessing our sins, acknowledging His sovereignty, immersing ourselves in His Word, obeying His commands, and dedicating ourselves to fasting from the distractions that often ensnare our hearts. As we commit to these practices, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with our Creator, allowing His love and wisdom to transform us from the inside out.
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