The Bible teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Jesus also said that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11).
Today, I am going to teach while telling a story. It will be uplifting for some and concerning for others, depending on what side of the fence each person has been on.
Let’s begin by touching on humility, which is not weakness or pretending to be perfect by acting mousy to appear holy. Humility is not about taking glam shots to create an image of holiness or displaying false piety. It is not fake but rather a genuine blessing that fosters boldness, free from people-pleasing nonsense.
Humility is gained through submission to Christ, hardship and suffering, and obedience to sacrifice—by giving everything and laying our lives on the altar to be refined in the fire by God.
To gain genuine humility, it involves recognizing our dependence on God boldly and without fear, remorse, or ungodly compromise.
That said, humility is modestly and straightforwardly honoring God rather than oneself.
We exalt Jesus Christ before man, myths, and self while powerfully walking out our assignment. After all, it is Christ’s righteousness that we must steward virtuously, exercising God’s gifts responsibly for the greater good, not our own. Preparation takes time—years, even decades—to allow the Lord to have full reign in us.
That said, we must seek to please Jesus in all things so that all good things from Heaven rest on His people. It requires a stripping away of all worldliness, materialism, pride, pain, and the weight of the trauma that many of the chosen in Christ were born into for a greater good later in life.
Yes, some of us were set aside to suffer, to be healed, and to prove the very existence of God when the world has been bamboozled and bewitched by false teachers who mislead people to believe in antibiblical sensationalism and worldly wealth gained off the backs of the misled, naive, and those willing to be controlled.
For me, I am happy to have been able to give up all control to Jesus and to my husband because it is a burden and weight I was never called to carry for so long.
The lightheartedness I feel today, after years of feeling like I had to control everything due to the abuse I endured and the rejection and abandonment from my parents and family, finally makes sense.
The Lord has unearthed who I genuinely am—a bold yet compassionate character in Christ, a leader, and a servant of the people, but not a pushover.
Too often, the anointing or spiritual gifts (Galatians 3:28) lead spiritually unprepared people to chase after a lavish lifestyle and adopt a spirit and mindset of hierarchy. —it’s not the genuine anointing of the Holy Spirit, but something entirely different.
It is never God’s intention for there to be pride in leadership. However, in this spirit of pride and control, individuals have fallen away from true faith. Due to their lack of accountability and the misplacement of the order of Christ’s church, congregations become filled with pride and self-righteousness. It becomes more of a social club membership than a place of healing and edification. Consequently, their teachers find it easier to manipulate them into staying, as if it is an honor to be covertly dishonored.
God hates a haughty Spirit and a lying tongue, and often church leadership disregards others due to pride and maliciously minimizing the gifts in others to be seen as a top dog to stay on top. —Indeed this behavior is not carried out from the spirit of God but from the enemy.
Akin to what the Bible says, we must always strive to be like Christ—bold yet meek (Matthew 11:29), loving yet authentic with authority (Ephesians 4:15)—always humble and mindful of Father God’s sovereignty (James 4:10) while confidently staying aware of our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), knowing that Christ is King (Revelation 19:16), and we are His servants (Mark 10:45).
Hypocrisy, false prophets, and teachers—the imposter syndrome—is the enemy’s game (Matthew 7:15), but genuine anointing and godliness should always reflect the goodness of God (2 Peter 1:3). With reverence and respect, we stand boldly—not pridefully—rightly dividing the word (2 Timothy 2:15), forth-telling and warning when spoken to by God (Ezekiel 3:17), never from our own thoughts or desires (Proverbs 3:5-6), but to lead, uplift, encourage, and warn, thereby significantly impacting a lost generation while salting the earth (Matthew 5:13).
When we do this, you can be sure that the Pharisee types will pin a target on our backs (John 15:18-20). Rather than helping us heal and learn to walk in that anointing—like the Pharisees did to Jesus—these powerless men and women will do and say whatever they can to undermine our reputations (Matthew 12:14). They will bring forth false witnesses to hurt and embarrass us publicly (Matthew 26:59-60), and we are told to remain silent, pray for them (Matthew 5:44), and allow Jesus to handle it (Romans 12:19).
It is hurtful and shameful, but the true walk of the cross for Christ’s chosen ones closely resembles His (1 Peter 2:21), except that we make mistakes and sin, and repent (Romans 3:23), while Jesus was sinless and perfect (1 Peter 2:22).
In 1 Peter 5:6-7, it says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the Mighty Hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
We learn over time to trust in the supernatural workings and suffering of Christ, recognizing that His timing is perfect while also submitting in obedience to His decree of humility, it takes time.
Years, in fact, like Joseph and David.
Meanwhile, Proverbs 25 is a meaningful verse, on the topic of humility because it offers wise sayings that encourage us to live with humility, patience, and self-control.
It highlights the critical resonsibility of seeking wisdom before titles notoriety, and spiritual understanding instead of chasing after wealth, power, or recognition. For those of you on the spiritual path, the Proverbs chapters provide practical advice on how to interact with others, including ways to resolve conflicts and build strong relationships through love and God’s goodness.
However, it also reminds us that while we may forgive others, we might need to separate ourselves from those who bring negativity into our lives, without apology or self-condemnation.
Protect your heart!
It is better to look like a fool than to be a fool, regardless of what onlookers think, as they often have no clue about what is truly happening. We should continue to allow the Lord to refine and change us, serving humbly and waiting on Him. We must live respectfully while lifting others up before ourselves, confidently ignoring those who act wrongly. The Father warns against seeking honor and recognition, as deceit leads to humiliation.
Scripture concurs:
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11 (NIV)
It’s happening.
Furthermore, the Lord cautions us against arguing with people who spread false rumors to intentionally bring shame to the blameless. The Holy Spirit says that their wickedness will meet them at their front door in due time (Galatians 6:7), and the lies and strife they caused His anointed will return to them tenfold, but in a worse manner.
The harm they caused and the potential relationships they severed disingenuously will cut ties with all of their influential allies.
One by one, they will see them for their cowardly wicked ways and be driven into obscurity, and imprisonment and hefty fines for some, just as they schemed to do to us.
Over time, there will be newfound peace and unity within the body of Christ (Philippians 2:2), and that discord, which is severely frowned upon in God’s eyes (Proverbs 6:16-19), will be severed for good; they will be left with themselves.
Consider what happened to Jezebel in scripture (2 Kings 9:30-37), or to Saul (1 Samuel 15:23), or to anyone who chooses to make war with God by assaulting His anointed ones (Psalm 105:15).
Remember the seven things God hates: haughty eyes and lying tongues, which cause more trouble for the guilty later. I appreciate how Scripture advises against overindulging in anything that harms the spiritual and physical body, as this can lead to reaping unsavory consequences and a lack of productivity for God’s kingdom.
Today, we exalt the King, Jesus Christ, and are never in a rush to be seen or to prove ourselves; the gift makes room in Christ’s own time (Proverbs 18:16). Instead, we remain open to the quickening of the Holy Spirit, trusting that future justice will prevail in multiple areas of all that belongs to God (Psalm 37:5). Indeed, there are unseen things taking shape, one day at a time (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Scripture Reminder:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
A life lived with integrity is worth more than gold and silver; it’s worth more than the stars and no less than the moon. That said, little did those who caused great harm to Christ’s church know that His chosen ones, set aside, were never alone—never homeless—but watched by the ones He sent to document the whole thing. Justice is sweet. We were never alone; we were with God, and those whom the world sees as reliable will speak on behalf of the honest and courageous when the time comes.
God bless us all.
Much love and truth,
Sister Christine
C. Beach ©️