What Do We Have That was Not Given

1 Corinthians 4:7 (NKJV):

“For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”

We live in a world that often measures worth by personal achievements, possessions, or influence. The words of Paul in this verse remind us of a humbling truth: everything we have is a gift from God—our gifts, talents, resources, and opportunities have been entrusted to us by God.

Paul’s question, “What do you have that you did not receive?” is simple but profound. It reminds us of the juxtaposition between pride and humility. With subtlety, pride creeps into our thoughts making us believe that our success is solely the fruit of our own effort, wisdom, or skill. It convinces us we are self-made, and God has no part in it. The danger of pride is that it blinds us to our dependence on God making us think we did it all by ourself and can do it all by ourselves over and over. It makes us forget that we are stewards, not owners; recipients, not creators. Pride whispers that we deserve honor, because of what have and/or achieved.

Contrarily, humility begins with us acknowledging our dependence on God. Instead of comparing ourselves with others or elevating ourselves above them, humility reminds us that we are all recipients of grace, making no room for boasting. True humility doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves; it means thinking rightly of ourselves in light of God’s greatness. It makes us  acknowledge that He is the Giver, and we are the stewards. When we walk in humility, we shift from self-promotion to God-exaltation, and from striving for recognition to living with gratitude.

Humility also draws us closer to others. It allows us to serve without seeking applause and to celebrate the gifts of others without jealousy. In humility, we build up the body of Christ, reflecting the heart of Jesus, who humbled Himself even to the point of the cross.

Today, let’s walk in humility, acknowledging that all that we have and all that we are is a gift from the Lord. Let’s be wary of the subtlety of pride.

Reflection Question: How can you practice humility today by acknowledging God as the Source and serving others with gratitude?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I thank You for reminding me that everything I have comes from Your hand. Forgive me for the times I have allowed pride to take root in my heart, boasting as if I gained anything apart from You. Help me to see myself rightly—not higher than others, but as one dependent on Your mercy and grace. Guard my heart from comparison and arrogance. May my life reflect humility in action: serving others, giving generously, and lifting up Your name above my own. Amen

Declaration

I declare that everything I have comes from God and so I will not boast in myself, but give glory to the Lord walking in humility, gratitude, and dependence on Him alone.