The Lord’s grace is also sufficient for the proud, but the proud would rather willfully reject his gift than admit to spiritual neediness. Therefore, the Lord’s grace, although sufficient, is not offered to them. James wrote, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6). Nephi taught that the Holy Messiah is full of grace and truth, but he also explained that not everyone was eligible for that grace. Rather it was to be given only to those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else (2 Nephi 2:6-7). Neal A. Maxwell said:
“Meekness ranks low on the mortal scale of things, yet high on God’s: ’For none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.’ (Moroni 7:44.) The rigorous requirements of Christian discipleship are clearly unattainable without meekness. In fact, meekness is needed in order to be spiritually successful, whether in matters of the intellect, in the management of power, in the dissolution of personal pride, or in coping with the challenges of daily life.”(Meek and Lowly, p. ix)
James continues, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4:7-10). Hereby James connects the concepts of humility and submissiveness. We cannot be truly humble when we are still imposing our will upon the Lord. Only when our will is placed in submission to HIs are we truly humble.
Neal A. Maxwell
“If we were not serious about our submissiveness to Him, could we endure having our weaknesses shown to us?” (We Will Prove Them Herewith, p. 120)
Hans B. Ringger
“As Moroni wrote, the Lord’s grace is sufficient for all who humble themselves before Him. If we humble ourselves and have faith in Him, He will make our weaknesses into our strengths (see Ether 12:27). He will provide His strength to meet our challenges, and many things will take care of themselves. The Spirit of God strengthens us physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It is now up to us to choose the way! Caterina Di Genova, who died in the Middle Ages as a martyr and who inspired future generations, is believed to have said, ’Once God possesses the will of a person, God will dwell within this person and will lead him to perfection.’ To prevail in this world without God is difficult. Through God, however, all things are possible.” (Conference Report, May 1994 Ensign, “What Shall We Do”)