James reminds us of an important biblical principle that is found throughout the pages of Scripture, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." James lays out the criteria on living a humble life that honours the Lord in chapter four of his epistle. He lists a series of commands that will not only keep us in close fellowship with God but encourage us towards humility of heart and gentleness of spirit.
Humility is a fruit of the Spirit that should be exhibited in every believer’s life, but there is much misunderstanding about biblical humility and what it means to humble oneself before the Lord. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It is understanding ourselves properly considering who God is and who we are and living accordingly. This humbling of oneself is not meant to be forced, but instead should be voluntary in a willing action.
James gives us a challenge that demands us going against our current day of self-exaltation culture. He encourages us to appropriately humble ourselves before God. When we recognize who we are apart from the Lord, the only response that can come from us in the presence of God is humility. True humility grows in the heart of someone who is submitted to God, growing in grace, and maturing in the Christian faith. The reward of true humility is exaltation from God - He will lift you up. The exaltation from God is far greater than the exaltation of the world.
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