In our Friday reading (Luke 14:1-24) Jesus tells a parable about a wedding feast. In the parable he basically tells us that we shouldn't be seeking out places of honor (the spotlight) but should be non-assuming, humble people. Verse 11 says, "'For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.'"
I love this instruction, but honestly, it's one that is hard to put into consistent practice. Everywhere you turn today we're being sold the message of "it's all about you" and that we should be asserting ourselves to get what we think we deserve. Add to that plain old human nature and before I know it, I can find myself thinking and even acting not so humble. I hate it when I allow pride slip in. Even so, it happens. In fact, just a few weeks ago I was being prideful about something and letting it influence my thinking. When I finally wised up, I was mad and ashamed at myself that I even went there. So, I prayed a bunch, read scripture and ultimately had to take it before the Lord and just ask Him to help me let go. It was tough and humbling (hum...kind of like verse 11 above). Can you relate? I sure hope so. :)
Take a minute right now and ask God if there's an area in your life where your pride is getting in the way. What can you do this week to be more humble? Ok, I know this will probably be challenging, but challenging is good. Plus, I'll do it with you. Tami W.
This was good food for thought. Contemplating it, I thought how pride can interfere in communicating with my daughters during times of struggle trying to raise them and teach them. It can be so maddening, frustrating and sometimes depressing to see and hear them treat each other and talk to each other (and us parents) in ways that are so contrary to what they have been taught. And keeping up with correcting them to bend them to God's will is hard; at times, I can feel so defeated if I let myself. Why can't they just listen and do what I tell them - I have the answers.... wait a minute! There's that pride in the way. It should not be me telling them, I remind myself. I go back to scripture to encourage them to be kind to each other, forgive each other, obey their parents - not to please me but to please their Lord! Yet still, they don't always respond as I would like them to, as I know they should. But, again: was I much different at that age? And I may be wiser now, but even so still fail to respond the way I should at times. Sinners in the same boat, my daughters and I. All growing together in obedience to our Lord.
So I try to keep this in mind and try to keep myself humble, remembering that I am not really any "better" than my daughters. Just older (and more tired) and seeking guidance (and strength) from my Lord!
Pride IS a tough thing. In my business world, you are compared DAILY with your peers. Called out when something good happens in your workplace. Yeah, it's hard to not be prideful. Sometimes I catch it before anything comes out of my mouth...sometimes not. What concerns me most, is that I'm not sure I come to God with it each time. I have a HUGE opportunity with pride. It has broken me more times than I can count.
In this world, in the workplace, with friends, or family, it is tough to be humble; sometimes I find myself seeking the spotlight. But as I grow in my walk with Jesus I know I must be humble and place others first. My goal this year is to learn humility. I will practice, practice and practice until with God's grace I overcome my prideful ways. Thank you for this excellent Blog.. :)
WOW! Does anyone else find it interesting that the 3 comments about pride were offered by 3 men? Makes me wonder if it is an issue for one gender more than the other. Just an observation!