“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).

So many people spend their lives trying to lift themselves up. They boast of their successes and exaggerate their abilities. Wanting to be successful is not a bad thing. It motivates us to make healthy choices. But wanting success that leads to self-promotion doesn’t work. That’s what the apostle James is saying.

Jesus said that the meek would inherit the earth. Too many people act like it’s the bullies and the boastful who will inherit the earth. We have all seen humble individuals God has lifted up. They inspire us with their gentleness and quiet strength.

Humility means that we recognize our smallness when compared to the awesome power of God. To be proud means that God will resist us. To be humble means that God will exalt us and fight for us. My dad once told me, “Son, it you sit on the sidelines God will fight for you. If you try to do things by yourself God will sit on the sidelines and watch you.”

It is far better to say to God, “I need your help. My shoulders aren’t big enough to carry this alone.” When we say that it’s amazing to see what God will do for us. Humility draws Him into any situation we face to lift us up no matter how down we think ourselves to be.