This week (on Sept. 15) I was reading Proverbs 15. By the way, reading the numerical Proverb
that corresponds with the day of the month is a great habit. Anyways, several passages spoke to me about
the importance of walking in humility, teachability, and receptivity to the
input (even reprove) of others.
“A fool despises …
instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.” 15:5
“There is severe
discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.” 15:10
“A scoffer does not
like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.” 15:12
“Without counsel plans
fail, but with many advisors they succeed.”
15:22
Whoever ignores
instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains
intelligence.” 15:32
“The fear of the Lord
is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” 15:33
These truths were put to the test in my life that very
day. A fellow pastor confronted me about
something I said. At first I was
defensive and thought I had done nothing wrong.
I know I am the only one who ever responds that way. Ha ha.
Then I took time to get alone with God and pray about it. The Holy Spirit showed me I needed to
repent. I had to repent not only before
him, but also before a group of people.
Not easy. But afterwards, I had a
clear conscience. That is worth a lot!
Think about it: if we
walk in absolute humility and constantly open to what God may need to point out
to us, then there is nothing He cannot do in us and through us. “God
opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Who would not want all the grace from God
they could get? And who would want to
miss God’s “good, acceptable and perfect
will” (see Rom. 12:1-2) in their life?
Be bold to ask God to give you a humble heart. Be receptive to people speaking into your
life. Be approachable so that when
people come with a concern, you don’t get defensive. Take all things to the Lord in prayer. And
repent of any and everything you are convicted of. And then walk in the forgiveness
and power that Christ gives through His Holy Spirit. If you do this, you will spiritually succeed.
