I have something built into my life that keeps me humble. It’s called a wife. Not long ago, I got so sick that I finally gave in and let my wife drive me to see the doctor. She went with me into the examining room. After the doctor checked me out, he turned to my wife and said, “I don’t like the looks of your husband.” She responded, “Neither do I doctor, but he treats me very well.”

You have to stay humble. Jesus’ disciples often exhibited pride instead of humility. At one point they asked him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus promptly called a little child out of the crowd and had him stand among them. He said, “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt.18:1-4).

Little children must rely completely on adults for provision and protection. In the same way, we must trust our heavenly Father to take care of our spiritual needs. We are completely helpless without him.

Humility goes against the inclination of our sinful nature. We all struggle with pride to a certain extent. We enjoy being self-sufficient. We would rather rely on our own strength and wisdom. We don’t like to depend on others; not even God. But Prov.3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

In what ways are you struggling with pride?