I like it when James says, “But God gives more grace” (James 4:6).

A consistent theme in Scripture is that God’s grace both exalts people and humbles people. Therefore the apostles and prophets were always encouraging God’s people to humble themselves before the Lord, so that He can exalt them. 

“God resists [literally “stiff-arms”] the proud,
But gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

When God “gives grace to the humble,” His grace lifts them up and exalts them into His plan for their lives. This is why it is so important that we understand our righteousness is by God’s grace rather than by our own works. Righteousness based on our works takes those works and in pride demands a certain standing before God. At that point, we think God “owes us one,” and we’ve left the principle of grace. Righteousness by God’s grace still does the works, but gracefully lays these works before the Lord, acknowledging that all success and advancement comes by His grace, not as a debt that He owes for our goodness or works.

James continues,

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).

This principle is always true, no matter what our circumstances. The key to understanding it is to know what God’s intentions are for our circumstances. Firstly, He wants to produce a greater revelation of Himself in us. After that, He does at times change our circumstances and/or raise us up into leadership. 

Therefore, we could say that when we humble ourselves before the Lord, His grace will lift us up:  

•     always in greater revelation of Himself to us.
•     sometimes in change of our circumstances.
•     occasionally into leadership of people that He wants us to serve.

These are all excellent rewards that are promised for humbling ourselves before the Lord for His exaltation in our lives.