True humility rewarded

He that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:14)

It ought not to be difficult for us to humble ourselves, for what have
we to be proud of? We ought to take the lowest place without being told
to do so. If we are sensible and honest, we shall be little in our own
eyes. Especially before the Lord in prayer we shall shrink to nothing.
There we cannot speak of merit, for we have none; our one and only
appeal must be to mercy: "God be merciful to me a sinner."

Here is a cheering word from the throne. We shall be exalted by the
Lord if we humble ourselves. For us the way upward is downhill. When we
are stripped of self we are clothed with humility, and this is the best
of wear. The Lord will exalt us in peace and happiness of mind; He will
exalt us into knowledge of His Word and fellowship with Himself; He
will exalt us in the enjoyment of sure pardon and justification. The Lord
puts His honors upon those who can wear them to the honor of the Giver.
He gives usefulness, acceptance, and influence to those who will not be
puffed up by them but will be abased by a sense of greater
responsibility. Neither God nor man will care to lift up a man who lifts up
himself; but both God and good men unite to honor modest worth.

O Lord, sink me in self that I may rise in Thee.