1 Peter 5:5 | Stephen L Hufman

Lowly lichen brightens the bark on a Ponderosa Pine

God opposes the proud , but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5

Humility is an overlooked essential ingredient in grace.

Without humility, you do not know your desperate need for God’s forgiveness. You remain in denial. – “I’ve done pretty well with my life.”

Without humility, the shame of your life keeps you from grace because you don’t deserve it. – “How could God forgive the unforgivable?”

Without humility, you will not accept God’s grace because you won’t submit to the authority of Jesus in your life. – “I want to be in control.”

Without humility, you’ll want to somehow earn God’s grace. – “I’ve never taken anything I didn’t earn.”

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-19 NLT

You can’t generate humility. Even here you have to ask for God’s help.

The Narrows, Zion National Park

Humble Pie
by Stephen Hufman

Humble pie drab and crusty
Has texture that’s kind of dusty.
Giving credit to God alone,
Leaves little left to call my own.
I prefer another way to follow
Yielding glory not quite so hollow.
Tis joy I find in great renown,
To hear applause in every town.
Not to worry I’ll give God his due,
I’m sure he’s proud of all I do.
Someday we’ll meet there in the sky,
He’ll set before me that piece of pie.
But I now prefer a tastier dinner,
One where I announce the winner.
I want to live life my way now,
Where I will never need to bow.
So off into the expanse of space,
No humble pie will I now face.
On my own path all alone,
A place where I can set the tone.
For no one there will I abide,
In no one there do I confide.
Just me alone in first place.
No humble pie in MY face.