by joycegibbs via Flickr.com
One of the purposes of marriage is to humble us. Most couples go into marriage not understanding why everyone thinks it is hard. They are the “real” love story and it will not be hard for them. Usually the first few months adjust this mentality. Successful couples are humbled in their pride, selfishness, and stubbornness.
Parenting humbles you as well. From the time you walk out of the hospital with the child to the many nights you go to bed wondering if you did anything right. My mom always said, once you have kids you never quit worrying about them. We were talking last night about some of our worries for each of our children. I don’t even have teenagers yet, and parenting is so humbling.
Following Christ is so humbling. Take this teaching of Jesus for example, “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mat. 5:48). Paul taught that we are to be maturing into the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). I am humbled. What a challenge! It is a constant struggle to reflect Christ and become more like Him.
Each of these challenges, and many more, should drive us to dependency upon the grace of God. An often repeated idea in the Psalms is trust in the steadfast love of the Lord. Each of our weaknesses and struggles should remind us of our need for God (Mat. 6:24-34).
If these things make us humble as they should, then why do we struggle with such pride? Maybe this is the reason we see so many failed marriages, parent/child issues, and adolescent problems. Pride is always there encouraging us to get what we deserve, need, or want. A humble heart focuses on serving, trusting, and praying. James says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).
