by Dr. Bill Edgar, former chair of the Geneva College Board of Trustees, former Geneva College President and longtime pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPNCA)
Pride goes before destruction. In an exaltation of power and freedom, Icarus flew so high that the sun melted the wax holding feathers on his wings, and he crashed into the sea and drowned. Eve and Adam wanted to be like God, and ended up mortal, expelled from the Garden. Nebuchadnezzar boasted, “Is not this great Babylon which I have built (Daniel 4:30)?” until God deprived him of his wits.
Pride comes naturally to the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve, but “God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).” Pride does not end in riches and honor and life. Humility requires God’s grace, given often through rebukes, setbacks, God’s Word, parents, and teachers, until we learn that God is God, and we are not, and that other people deserve the same love and consideration we do. The humble person thinks honestly about himself, not too highly, nor falsely denying what God has given: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity).”
God commands us to cultivate humility. “Humble yourselves (I Peter 5:6, James 4:10),” before God by accepting His Word and Providence without grumbling, and before other people by putting their interests above your own (Philippians 2:1-5). Coupled with humility is the fear of the Lord. The proud forget God, do not call on Him for help and forgiveness, and refuse to give Him thanks. The humble know they rely on Him even for breath itself.
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is “riches and honor and life,” the things God promised Abraham when He called him, and Solomon after he asked for wisdom. It’s what Jesus promised Peter, who asked Him what he would get for having left everything to follow Him:
Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).
There are great rewards in this life for humility and fear of the Lord. But because the world is proud and resists God, the rewards come “with persecutions” -- sometimes job loss, sometimes ruined reputation, sometimes even death. No follower of Jesus should ever believe that He promises a life of uninterrupted success resulting in “riches and honor and life,” such as Job had before God allowed Satan to take them away. Our true riches are stored up for us in the age to come, when God gives the humble eternal life.
Does the prospect of impacting the world excite you? Do you want a career that allows you to use your God-given talents to make a difference in your life, your community, and the world around you? If so, you should learn more about Geneva’sbiblical studies program.
For more information, contact us at 855-979-5563 orweb@geneva.edu. Get ready to make your mark on this world.
-----
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
As a seasoned enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of theology, philosophy, and biblical studies, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience in understanding the intricate tapestry of religious narratives and moral teachings. My expertise extends beyond the mere surface-level comprehension, delving into the nuanced layers of biblical interpretations and the profound implications of theological principles on human behavior and destiny.
In the article penned by Dr. Bill Edgar, a distinguished figure with a rich background as the former chair of the Geneva College Board of Trustees and President, as well as a longtime pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), the central theme revolves around the perils of pride and the virtues of humility as outlined in various biblical stories and verses.
The narrative weaves together the cautionary tales of Icarus, Eve, Adam, and Nebuchadnezzar, illustrating the catastrophic consequences of unchecked pride. Drawing upon biblical passages, such as James 4:6 and I Peter 5:6, Dr. Edgar underscores the divine injunction to cultivate humility before God and fellow human beings. This humility is depicted not as self-deprecation but as a genuine acknowledgment of one's dependence on God and a recognition of the intrinsic value of others.
The concept of humility is further enriched by insights from C.S. Lewis, who emphasized that humility is not about thinking less of oneself but about thinking of oneself less—a profound perspective that aligns with the biblical teachings expounded in the article.
The intertwined nature of humility and the fear of the Lord is a recurring theme throughout the text. The humble, in contrast to the proud, are portrayed as those who acknowledge their reliance on God, seek His help and forgiveness, and express gratitude. This intertwining of humility and reverence for God is presented as a path to "riches and honor and life," echoing promises made to biblical figures like Abraham and Solomon.
However, the article goes beyond mere theoretical discourse and delves into the practical implications of humility in one's life. It acknowledges that the pursuit of humility, while rewarded with spiritual richness, may also entail persecution in a world resistant to the divine principles. This aligns with the biblical narrative of the disciples, including Peter, facing challenges and persecution for their commitment to Christ.
In the closing section, the article takes an unexpected turn, transitioning from theological discourse to a pragmatic call-to-action. The reader is invited to consider a career in Geneva's biblical studies program, framed as an opportunity to impact the world by using one's God-given talents—a connection between the theoretical understanding of humility and its practical manifestation in shaping individuals' careers and lives.
In conclusion, the article masterfully combines theological insights, biblical narratives, and practical implications, offering a holistic perspective on the timeless and universal theme of humility in the face of pride.
