Pride is the beginning of corruption, which ironically enough is often the result of a corrupting pride. Whoever is proud will become corrupt, and those who are corrupt will eventually become more arrogant. Satan once said, "I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly... I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will make myself like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:13-14). For such conceit and self-exaltation, Satan was destined to fall from the heavenly host into the deepest pit of hell—great was his fall. Pride can thus be considered the root of all rebellion and sin, and cannot be neglected or taken lightly.
Humility is like a seed, and honor is her fruit. Whoever sows the seed of humility will reap the fruit of honor. Jesus was in the image of God, yet He did not boast about His equality with God. Instead, Jesus humbled Himself to become a servant of all, taking the form of man. As a result, God highly exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above every name—before whom all creation should be made to bow. Truly, humility brings honor. This fact is so vital to the life of a Christian that it should be engraved upon the Christian's heart.
The Lord Jesus said, "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:11-12). According to a wise saying, the sea is the master of all rivers because the sea is resigned to the lower reaches. By the same token, before a person can become a leader of his people, that person has to be humble and submissive in addressing the people. Those who are wise will humble themselves in taking the lowest places, and in due time they will receive honor because of their humility.
May we all remember the Lord's teaching and be determined to follow His beautiful footsteps of humility and service for all. This is humility with compassion—serving and sacrificing for all without expecting anything in return. If we may begin to do so in the life of God's household, the honor that the Lord promises will surely be upon us.
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