Exercise Humility in Relating with People

[16] “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” – Romans 12:16 (NIV)

One of the reasons why some Christians choose not to become too wealthy is because of fear. Fear of becoming proud, especially in relating to others. Does wealth give power? Absolutely, it does. If an evil person becomes wealthy, he can promote his wicked deeds to a higher level and affect more lives.

Wealth in itself is not evil. When the reason for having and managing it goes wrong, it springs up several bad things in the possessor’s life. For example, if you know that God has blessed you with abundance so you can help others in need, it’ll be natural to relate to poor people in humility. Why? Because if they don’t keep coming to you, God’s reason for blessing you won’t be fully utilised, which can affect your level of impact when measured before God’s eyes.

The scripture warns all believers not to be proud but to be willing to associate with people of low position. In other words, there will be different standards of living, even among believers in the same church. Despite that, the rich or more knowledgeable must not think of themselves so highly that they will not relate well to others who aren’t at their level.

Has God given you something rare that many people would like to get? Is it an abundance of wealth, more profound knowledge of the Bible, or even a spiritual gift? Use that thing to manifest God’s love towards others, not to be conceited in yourself. Pride comes before a fall (see Proverbs 16:18).

You have what you have because God gave it or inspired others to give it to you. So, don’t let that thing make you proud. Exercise humility in relating to people regardless of their states of life. Remain humble under God’s mighty hand, so He will keep lifting you in glory.

You are a blessing.