“Only humility keeps you close to Christ’s heart.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 21, 2025
And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:13-14
Self-doubt is healthy when it stems from a humble heart submissive before holy God—without claiming righteousness apart from Jesus Christ’s righteousness. It’s a powerful reminder from the despised tax collector, contrasting with the self-righteous religious leader. One aware of his brokenness, self-surrendered, and the other unaware, self-sufficient. Self-doubt becomes sacred when it humbles the soul before a holy God. The tax collector’s cry for mercy serves as a mirror to our hearts, showing that broken surrender invites divine strength, while self-sufficiency blinds us to grace. Grace flows from repentance, not self-reliance, and comes only through Christ.
Charles Spurgeon sharply contrasts the Pharisee with the tax collector, “He [the Pharisee] did not go up to the temple to pray, but to boast; not to confess his sin, but to parade his virtue… He [the tax collector] does not compare himself with others; he sees only his own sin and God’s holiness.” I honestly ask myself, “Is my posture pride or humility when I pray in the presence of the Lord and those who love Him?” My answer should be humility; after all, the spiritual setting is a perfect environment to experience God, yet subtle pride can sneak in and seduce my heart into an ugly spiritual self-righteousness that breaks the heart of my Savior and turns away other discerning saints. How can we guard against becoming a proud Bible thumper?
What are some ways to cultivate a humble heart? Remember the tax collector’s prayer: short, honest, and desperate. “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” No impressive language, no spiritual résumé, just raw need meeting infinite grace. Authentic worship begins when you see God’s holiness clearly and your own condition honestly. When genuine awe replaces religious arrogance, gratitude drowns out boasting. Prayer ceases to be a performance proving your devotion and becomes a conversation admitting your dependence. Beautifully, the humble heart attracts grace like a magnet. The proud heart pushes it away like oil repelling water. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble because pride creates an impenetrable barrier to grace.
Only humility keeps you close to Christ’s heart. The moment you start thinking you’ve got this religious thing figured out, that your spiritual maturity sets you apart, or that your obedience earns God’s favor, you’ve already drifted. As C.S. Lewis reminds us, “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less,” staying aware that every breath, blessing, and bit of strength flows from Him, not you. Pride whispers, “Look how far you’ve come,” while humility replies, “Look how far He’s carried me.” Pride keeps score of spiritual achievements, but humility marvels at undeserved grace. The difference determines whether you’re building your kingdom or advancing His. Healthy self-doubt grows your 100% trust in Jesus Christ alone.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep me anchored in You. Teach me that apart from You, I can do nothing. Fill me with Your strength, wisdom, and love, that my life reflects Your glory. In Your name I pray, amen.
Application
What pocket of pride is limiting my intake of grace from God?
Related Reading
Psalm 127:1; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:17
Worship Resource
Sarah Kroger: Humbled Heart
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