The Wake-Up Call — “Humble Yourself or Be Humiliated Later—Your Choice”

Host: J.D. Walt
Date: January 18, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Wake-Up Call, J.D. Walt explores the essential spiritual theme of humility. Leaning into the wisdom of Proverbs, James, and Philippians, Walt urges listeners to “humble yourself or be humiliated later.” The reflection focuses on how pride and humility define our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. Practical steps, a heartfelt prayer, and memorable worship choruses punctuate this morning devotional, inviting listeners to reorient around the humility of Jesus.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Waking Up to God's Presence

• Theme: Each day starts with being conscious of living in God's presence:
  “We're walking into his presence and we're not going to walk out… we just became conscious of his presence.” (04:00)
• Living an “awakened life” means knowing Jesus "has got this. He's got us. No matter what we're struggling with, what we're dealing with, he's got it.” (05:00)

Main Text: Proverbs 18:12

• Scripture:
  “Before downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” (06:00)
• Interpretation:
  • “Two things that don't go together: wisdom and pride. Two things that do go together: humility and honor.” (07:00)
  • Pride often remains hidden from ourselves but is visible to others.

Pride vs. Humility

• Classic Proverb:
  “‘Pride goes before a fall.’ The crazy thing about pride is the way it remains hidden from us, yet visible to everyone around.” (07:40)
• Voluntary vs. Involuntary Humility:
  • “Pride leads to humiliation, which is involuntary humility. There's only one remedy: voluntary humility.” (08:10)
  • Wisdom chooses humility while there is still time.

Scriptural Wisdom: James 3

• Readings from James 3:13-17:
  • “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom… But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (09:00-10:30)
• Reflection:
  • Humility is a sign of God-given wisdom.
  • The wisdom from heaven is peace-making, gentle, and sincere.

Humility or Humiliation: The Choice

• “In the final analysis, there are only two choices: humility or humiliation. Wisdom chooses while there's still time.” (11:10)

Prayer for Humility

• Prayer:
  “Abba. Father, thank you for showing us the inexhaustible depths of your own humility in your son Jesus… Let our pride be crucified now with him on the cross. In its place, let humility rise, praying in Jesus name, Amen.” (11:20)

Personal Reflection: Pride and Humility Scale

• Practical Exercise:
  • Listeners are challenged to rate themselves on a “pride to humility” scale.
  • Suggests asking a trusted friend how they perceive you: “Ask your bandmate… be gentle.” (12:30)
• Self-awareness insight:
  • Both pride and humility are often hidden from us.

Voluntary Humility in Practice

• Encouragement to consider:
  “What might voluntary humility look like in a very practical way today?” (13:45)
• Humility means not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less; not lowering yourself, but lifting others up.

The Mind of Christ: Philippians 2

• Teaching:
  • “Have the same mind in you that was in Christ Jesus… humility is a mindset way before it’s a behavior.” (14:30)
  • Christ’s descent: Becoming human, making himself nothing, embracing obedience to death on a cross.
  • “He was the ultimate something in somebody, and he made himself nothing and nobody.” (15:00)
• Key Quote:
  “If you have an identity [in Christ], you don't project an image. But if you have an insecure identity, you're projecting an image. And that's the source of pride.” (16:10)

Pride, Brokenness, & Wholeness

• “Deep wholeness comes from a restored identity, but deep brokenness comes from a broken identity. And we're covering it over with image.” (16:40)

The Upside-Down Kingdom

• “Pride comes before a fall, friends. Humility comes before a rise, a resurrection.” (20:24)
• God elevates those who embrace humility, as modeled by Christ.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Pride leads to humiliation, which is involuntary humility. There's only one remedy: voluntary humility.” — J.D. Walt (08:10)
• “Humility comes from wisdom.” — J.D. Walt, quoting James 3 (09:15)
• “If you have an identity [in Christ], you don't have to put on any airs… But if you have an insecure identity, you're projecting an image. And that's the source of pride.” — J.D. Walt (16:10)
• “Humility is not thinking bad about yourself. It’s not lowering yourself. It’s putting others up.” — J.D. Walt (18:00)
• “You're not thinking less of yourself. You're actually thinking of yourself less.” — J.D. Walt (18:15)
• “Humility comes from Jesus. Humility is the way of wisdom.” — J.D. Walt (19:00)

Worship Choruses (with Timestamps)

• Opening Chorus:
  “Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory…” (00:28-00:48)
• Reflective Chorus:
  “Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord… and He shall lift you up.” (19:14-20:24)

Key Takeaways: Practical Questions and Encouragements

• Regularly self-assess pride vs. humility, and ask trusted others for honest feedback.
• Seek voluntary humility as a daily spiritual discipline, imitating Christ’s self-emptying love.
• Remember, humility is a mindset grounded in a secure identity in Christ, not self-abasement.
• True humility manifests as lifting others up and ridding life of self-referential motivations.
• “Pride comes before a fall… Humility comes before a rise, a resurrection.” (20:24)

Suggested Next Steps

• Reflect on how pride or humility appears in your life.
• Consider what “voluntary humility” would look like in at least one specific action today.
• Meditate on Philippians 2 and James 3 throughout the week.
• Engage in worship: sing the “Humble Thyself” chorus and let it settle in your heart.

For further encouragement and community, join the Wake-Up Call at Seedbed.com/wakeupcall.

“We’re walking in the Lord, with the Lord, and He’s living in us and moving through us. That’s what it means to be awake.” — J.D. Walt (05:10)