Humble Pie

I was thinking this morning how often we (Christians) put ourselves down. So many times I think we talk about our weaknesses as though this is the only route to transparency. Being transparent means showing all of us to another person, the good and the bad. It seems showing the good is often viewed as prideful. I think what determines pride is the motive behind what we say. If we're trying to make someone change their view of us for our own personal gain, yes, that's prideful, and manipulative. If we're just being honest about the good things God has put into us, no, that's not prideful.

The Bible says, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you; do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (Rom. 12:3) Sober judgement means a right estimation of who we are, the good and the bad. We all have 'bad stuff' so we're on an equal playing field with each other and really don't need to try and 'up one another' in this area. Is our motive sympathy? Are we just expressing sadness or depression?

Phil. 4:8-9 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." If I focused on my 'junk' all the time, I would be really sad and according to this verse, disobedient.

In light of Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.", Let's do our best to work on those shortcomings, so we have less 'bad stuff' to talk and think about . Let's encourage ourselves and others by focusing on the good in Christ and in all of us. We are in a race, the the bad stuff just weighs us down. We have eternal life, why focus on the negative? Have a blessed Saturday.

The Way God Works

I'm a firm believer in the providential will of God. This is a term I learned while watching Andy Stanley's Discovering God's Will DVD. Andy explains that you need to know how God works and you do that by reading His word. Once you figure out how God works, you can more easily discern His will for your life, making decisions so much easier.

When watching the SuperBowl yesterday, we saw Eli Manning give a friendly bump and smile to the opposing quarterback. What he received was a less than friendly response. I knew at that moment that God would probably have a hand in the outcome of the SuperBowl. There was even more evidence by seeing how the Patriot's coach acted on camera throughout the season. Though he and the team appeared humble, there was an underlying tone of pride that could be discerned.

It's just like God to lift up the truly humble and bless them. James 4:6 says "...God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." It makes you really want to watch your heart attitude. No matter how much talent or what kind of past record(s) you hold, if your heart isn't right, God will hold you back until you learn this important lesson.