Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 8

"If other people praise you, humble yourself.  But do not praise yourself or boast, for that is the way of fools who seek vain praise.  Be honest in all your dealings and this will be enough reward; then others will praise you." 


In reading this I am reminded of counsel my Uncle M. Harvey Seibel gave in a book he wrote called Priesthood Through the Ages.  In the book he was writing about how all that we have and are is given to us by God and that we cannot claim any accomplishment as our own.  He gave the example of the racehorse that wins a race against the plowhorse.  

Can the racehorse take credit for his genetics that gave him his drive to run and to win?  

Can he take credit for the training opportunities and the care his owners provided for him that he might excel?


What can he take credit for?


We are all the glorious creations of our Father God, created for good works in Christ Jesus, and to give God pleasure.  Let us rejoice in this and strive to provide ourselves and each other with what we need to excel in this.


Here are some scriptures that speak of cultivating humility.


"Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  Jesus, Matthew 18:3-4



"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."  I Peter 5:6-7

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 7

"Beware especially of an uncontented and rebellious spirit.  Actually it is through the will and grace of God that you suffer and are troubled.  God has blessed you with unnumbered gifts to supply your needs, and likewise for your own good has meted out of trouble and pain that you may remain humble.  In the midst of trouble remember that you through your sinfulness deserve much greater punishment."

This rule reminds me of the following scriptures:

Romans 5: 3-5
"But we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."