When God wants to promote or increase you in a certain area, He brings you into knowledge – usually through people who have some ‘higher’ knowledge in that subject.

Now, it’s easy to be humble when you are totally ignorant or clueless.

However, when you also have some measure of success or knowledge, it can be extremely difficult to ‘stoop’ to learn from another.

It takes a lot of humility.

Let me share a story.

A minister was led by God to start and build a church in a certain place. It was going to be the biggest ever at that time. The catch was, he was a newbie to the area, knowing no-one and nothing about the territory. But he had heard God.

When he arrived, a lot of people in that region told him it was impossible, informing him of the many failures of those who had previously attempted such in that vicinity.

Leading the naysayers was another man who had also built a similar organization, but which was nowhere half as big. He spoke, trying to convince the newcomer who listened politely, thanked him – but still went ahead to build.

The new minister successfully completed the gargantuan task, and the church exploded – in an area that had recorded many prior poor achievements.

One day, the head of the naysayers scheduled an appointment with him. Why? He wanted to know how the minister was able to achieve such a task because, beyond the massive physical structure, the impact and reach was unbelievable.

When he arrived, after the tour and niceties, he began speaking. “I am also a minister. I know the drill. I know you prayed. You fasted. You did this. You did that…” – and he went on and on and on, not allowing his host speak.

Time elapsed, and after he was done, the host graciously replied, “Well, since you already know everything, I don’t think there is anything more to add.”

Soon after, the meeting ended, and the visiting minister returned back to his base – as ignorant as he arrived. He didn’t learn one thing (except maybe by observation) from someone who had the knowledge to help.

You see this thing called “Ego”? It is the bane of many – and one major reason many of us remain where we are.

A major characteristic of Ego is the “I Also” Syndrome (which, by the way, can be a good thing – but that’s another topic.) It demands that you show that you are also (knowledge)able in that area.

“I can also pray. Why is she always being told to pray?”
“I don’t see why everyone listens to his messages. I also teach the Word – even much better.”
“I can also sing/write/dance etc. There’s nothing special about that new artiste.”
“Why must I listen to their messages on marriage? I have also been happily married for long.”
“I have also read books on financial success.”
“I also hear God.”
“I also, I also…”

This affects all areas of life, including the spiritual.

That’s why it’s difficult for some pastors to listen to another, or certain authors read another’s writings, or musicians listen to another’s song, or ministers attend conferences organized by another…

…without criticism (which, most times, is slightly veiled envy).

They are unaware that, sometimes, these people are answers to their private prayers: “God, increase me/Teach me to hear you better/Make me a more impactful singer/Grow my church – or business/ Help my home/Increase my finances etc.”

Ego robs you of much-needed knowledge, beneficial relationships, faster growth – and special graces (or flows.)
It stops what a person has from getting to you.

It is also very short-sighted.

Humility, on the other end, thinks long-term. It looks beyond the present “humiliation” to the bigger picture. It honestly asks: “Do they have what I need now? Can this person help me in this area?”

It compels you to:
-Sit down under that ministry.
-Read his articles and books on finances.
-Listen to her God-experiences.
-Study how they built that world-class organization/institution.
-Ask them to pray for/with you when under attack.
-Learn how she handles her home…

…while your flesh(ego) screams as you put it to death.

However, in the end – when the results come in – you will realize it was so, so worth it.

Related post: Godly Jealousy

*“God resists you when you are proud but continually pours out grace when you are humble.”(James 4:6, TPT)
*”Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” (James 4:10, KJV)
*“Too much pride brings disgrace; humility leads to honour.” (Proverbs 29:23, CEV) 

__________

Would you like to give your life to Jesus? Simply pray with your lips, “Lord Jesus. I am sorry for all my sins. Come into my heart, forgive me and cleanse me with your Blood. I believe You died and rose again, and I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.” Welcome to the family! 🤗Drop a note, and we will be glad to reach out!

Do you have a prayer request? Send it in. We will DEFINITELY be praying. (Testimonies? Questions/Topics you want discussed? Suggestions on the blog? Drop a note. All private and anonymous. We will share only if requested.)