One of the biggest problems that can limit our effectiveness in serving God and His people is a lack of humility. Even though we may be gifted in certain areas, pride and vanity can become stumbling blocks that limit how God can use the talents that He has given us. Unfortunately, we seldom see these problems in ourselves. This is why the Bible repeatedly warns against pride and its consequences (see Proverbs 8:13; Daniel 4:37; Mark 7:21-23).
God clearly spells out what He is looking for in all of us. He says through the prophet Isaiah, “on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). Jesus taught, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). If we are humble and teachable, willing to take direction and work as a team, God will use us in His time and in His way. However, without real humility, we cannot be very effective instruments in our Father’s hands.
