Broken
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalms 34:18
Here we see the most valuable thing in the Kingdom--a broken and contrite heart. The world values a proud and self-exalting heart. The world says pride is good and we see it everywhere in sports, business, politics and academia. The proud boast in their accomplishments and seek to draw attention to themselves The famous boxer Muhammed Ali known for his bravado captures the world's philosophy perfectly when he said "It's not bragging if you can back it up." Another famous boast from Ali "I am the greatest". No qualifier to narrow the range; just in-your-face, unreserved self-exaltation. The world loved it and showered Ali with fame and fortune. Psalm 10:4 points to the problem with human pride "The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts." Pride is the deadly enemy to the spiritual life because it takes the focus off of Christ. Pride makes us always think about ourselves. Pride is not limited to success but it can also be found in an intense focus on our failures and short-comings. The goal is think less about ourselves and more on Christ and His people. The one who truly is the greatest, the Lord Jesus Christ, never boasted in Himself or made attempts to draw attention to Himself. Jesus always pointed to the Father (John 5:19, John 12:49). The Holy Spirit always pointed to and testified about Christ (John 15:26). Psalm 34:18 describes the work of the Holy Spirit to move someone from brokenness to contribution. A broken heart doesn't automatically lead to humility. it can easily lead to anger, resentment and pride. Contrite means "Feeling regret and sorrow for one's sins or offenses; penitent." The Lord goes to great lengths to produce a contrite, humble heart in His Elect. Much of our testing has elements that produce humility and we would be wise to yield to it. May we "...humble yourselves (don't fight against the humiliation) under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (let God be our defender and vindication)" (1 Peter 5:6) in all we do today.
Here we see the most valuable thing in the Kingdom--a broken and contrite heart. The world values a proud and self-exalting heart. The world says pride is good and we see it everywhere in sports, business, politics and academia. The proud boast in their accomplishments and seek to draw attention to themselves The famous boxer Muhammed Ali known for his bravado captures the world's philosophy perfectly when he said "It's not bragging if you can back it up." Another famous boast from Ali "I am the greatest". No qualifier to narrow the range; just in-your-face, unreserved self-exaltation. The world loved it and showered Ali with fame and fortune. Psalm 10:4 points to the problem with human pride "The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts." Pride is the deadly enemy to the spiritual life because it takes the focus off of Christ. Pride makes us always think about ourselves. Pride is not limited to success but it can also be found in an intense focus on our failures and short-comings. The goal is think less about ourselves and more on Christ and His people. The one who truly is the greatest, the Lord Jesus Christ, never boasted in Himself or made attempts to draw attention to Himself. Jesus always pointed to the Father (John 5:19, John 12:49). The Holy Spirit always pointed to and testified about Christ (John 15:26). Psalm 34:18 describes the work of the Holy Spirit to move someone from brokenness to contribution. A broken heart doesn't automatically lead to humility. it can easily lead to anger, resentment and pride. Contrite means "Feeling regret and sorrow for one's sins or offenses; penitent." The Lord goes to great lengths to produce a contrite, humble heart in His Elect. Much of our testing has elements that produce humility and we would be wise to yield to it. May we "...humble yourselves (don't fight against the humiliation) under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (let God be our defender and vindication)" (1 Peter 5:6) in all we do today.