Jesus said, “Whoever then humbles
himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”
(Matthew 18:4). We have tests for nearly everything in life, but what about a
test for pride? The Humility Test will detect areas of pride in our hearts.
Question
#1: Do you depend on yourself more than God? Yes or No
Humility means being
completely dependent on God to strengthen us (Rom. 5:2). A pastor was riding on
a bus seated next to a college student. The minister asked, “Are you
spiritually ready for the temptations that you’ll face in college?”
“I won’t have a problem,” the student
replied, “I have strong willpower.”
The minister said, “I can make a
pencil stand up on this book cover even though the road is bumpy.” The student
said, “No way. You can’t do it.”
The pastor held the pencil up with his
hand. The student said, “But you didn’t tell me you would hold it with your
hand.” The pastor said. “Have you ever seen a pencil stand up on its own
without someone holding it?” He let go of the pencil, which instantly fell over.
The minister told him, “The only way you can stand is if God is holding you up
with His hand.”
Question
#2: Do you get upset when you don’t receive recognition? Yes or No
Pride loves to be worshipped. It craves
attention and is greatly offended when it is overlooked. Jesus asked the
Pharisees, “How can you believe when you receive glory from one another, and
you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?” (John 5:44). It’s
not wrong to graciously receive recognition for job well done but don’t take
pride in it.
Question
#3: Do you think you deserve a higher position? Yes or No
When
we humble ourselves, we understand that God determines who gets promoted and
who doesn’t. “For not from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert
comes exaltation; but God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another”
(Psalm 75:6). This means we shouldn’t be envious of those who are promoted, or
be the least bit upset if we are passed over for promotion. Advancing to a
higher position is ultimately in God’s hands.
Question
#4: Do you compare yourself with others to find your self-worth? Yes or No
“When
they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves,
they are without understanding” (2 Cor. 10:12). If we compare ourselves with
others we will become proud or discouraged—and neither are from God. To be
continued next week….
For more about the Humility Test and God rewarding humble people in heaven read Making Today Count for Eternity www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com www.makinglifecount.net
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