One of my favorite songs we sing in worship is “Humble Yourselves.” It is extremely simple, focusing solely on a single phrase in each verse. As we join together to sing, we admonish one another to know our place in the presence of the Almighty God.
You may already be aware that the lyrics to “Humble Yourselves” comes directly from Scripture. In James 4:10, the Bible says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” In this passage, James explains that if we relinquish our pride and give our lives over to the Lord, He promises to glorify us. But, there is much more to this message in its context.
In verses 1-5 of James 4, we are told of the unavoidable outcome of pride. Whether your pride is carried out in the acts of war, lust, murder, covetousness, or adultery, none of these things will profit you. You will always be left wanting. All you succeed in doing is making yourself an enemy of God (v. 4). But, there is an alternative: humility. In verse 6, James quotes Proverbs 3:34, saying, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Pride gives you nothing in the end, but humility gives you the favor of the Lord.
So, if we are going to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, what should that look like? In verses 7-9, James gives us nine imperatives for humble living.
Submit to God (v. 7a). Who is the master of your life? Stop letting your pride cause you to pick and choose what you like and dislike in the Bible.
Resist the devil (v. 7b). Do you find yourself giving in to the same temptations? Stop letting your pride cause you to be comfortable with your pet sins.
Draw near to God (v. 8a). Do you spend time with the Lord in prayer and study? Stop letting your pride cause you to think you can do this on your own.
Cleanse your hands (v. 8b). Have you removed guilt from your life? Stop letting your pride cause you to live with the sins of your past. God has promised that baptism washes away sins. Live like you believe it.
Purify your hearts (v. 8c). Do you still enjoy the sins of the world? Stop letting your pride cause you to resist the new heart Christ promised you. Abhor what is evil.
Lament, mourn, weep, and turn (v. 9). How do you feel about sin? Stop letting your pride cause you to feel apathy for transgressions. Let godly sorrow change your mind to agree with your Lord and change your actions.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.