Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud (Proverbs 16:19 KJV)

Throughout my life I’ve always had an extremely arrogant attitude but it was not until two months ago that I realized how negative this characteristic was and how it was affecting my life. People have always told me how smart and pretty I am or how successful I am going to be and I took every word as gold. I even begin to taking credit for God’s glory over my life. When I spoke of my many accomplishments, I boasted proudly and subconsciously did not mention God. That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting (2 Corinthians 11:17 KJV)

I found myself putting down people down for their mistakes, although some of their mistakes were the same ones that I’ve made in the past. God quickly taught me humility! I was placed in situations where my mess was exposed. I talked badly about people with food stamps then I found myself in the public aid office (ducking and praying that no one would see me!) I would get upset whenever one of my friends would say they couldn’t go out because they didn’t have any money then I checked my bank account to find an $0.18 balance. When my marriage was happy I would frown upon unhealthy relationships, then I went through a divorce. I always knew I was beautiful but then I had those days where I didn’t feel so pretty and my self-esteem came under attack. Confident of my intelligence, I raised my hand to answer a question in class but it was wrong and the professor made it known. I ran out the door as my peers laughed. God spanked me! He had to expose my flaws and imperfections to remind me to check my attitude. My lack of humility was an insult to God and all that He had done for me. He knocked me down from the high horse that I was riding on, and then He reminded me, “This horse that you THINK you’re riding high on, I gave to you!”

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for helping me to realize that You cannot elevate me until I become humble! My life is none of my own doing, but it’s a product of your goodness, grace and mercy. Glory be to You, oh God, because I am nothing without You! You said if I am faithful over a few things, then You would make me ruler over many. Teach me how to nurture and protect what You given me thus far so that You can entrust me with more in the future. Thank You for teaching me humility! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Today I EMPOWER you to remain humble at all times. You may be blessed with many accomplishments, degrees, a well- paying job, a nice car, an attractive smile, a charming personality and/or a beautiful home but give ALL THE GLORY TO GOD! Get off of your high horse!

Ms. Chaunte’ Tate is an undergraduate senior currently pursuing a career in journalism at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is passionate about the spiritual advancements of all followers of Christ. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”