The qualities of the old nature flow freely from the head character defect of pride.  And "when pride comes, then comes shame." (Proverbs 11:2)  Shame then defines the identity of the sinful nature.  Pride and shame team up to destroy in an everlasting downward cycle ending always in death.  Along the way there may possibly be stops at the door of prison, insanity, broken marriages, etc.  Pain accompanying pain stroll in every increasing measure as pride reaps the rewards of its steps.

By focusing on the experience of humility, the Lord speaks clearly that it becomes the head character quality of the new nature.  Humility is the only doorway a man can pass through so the Almighty will come and reside with him.  "For thus says the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  (Isaiah 57:15)

Jesus also spoke of this attitude as being the first experience needed to acquire salvation.  "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5:3)

God desires to bless and anoint those He finds with such an attitude, "for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble."  (1 Peter 5:5)  So when we humbly ask God, God will joyously respond for He is a God whose eyes run "to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."  (2 Chronicles 16:9)  It never is a question as to whether God will respond for His Word says that this is His delight.  The problem lies without our heart should we continually find ourselves with shortcomings.

These shortcomings will only remind us that we so often continue to choose pride as our attitude.  The quality of humility - to see myself, to understand myself, to experience myself in correct relationship to God, not higher than Him, not equal to Him, but a creature made by a Creator, a servant to a master - stands as a beckoning Light to a troubled soul in a dark world.

Lord God, grant me your grace that this attitude - the very mind of Christ - may be formed in me.

- excerpt is taken from the Daily Meditations by Michael Beiring of 2-23