|
|
Mark Paavola from Duluth's "Encounter"
ministry writes a daily email
devotion which I use to start each day. This week he inked some
thoughts on "pride" which he gave me permission to share with you,
my Kiwanis family as we work to "serve".
Isaiah 16:6 -
"We have heard of the pride of Moab-how proud he is!-of his arrogance,
his pride, and his insolence; his boasts are false."
In response to that passage, Mark noted that in our culture, pride has
almost become a positive personality characteristic. "You should be
proud of the job you've done" "Have pride in yourself"
"You must be so proud". And yet, there are very few things that
God's word speaks against more harshly than pride.
He added that his 'favorite' definition of pride is - "taking credit
for anything good that happens in ones life." Wow-I'm an expert at
that. I have no problem getting "puffed up"
about the things that are going well.
What is it about pride that is in such opposition to God's nature?
When I'm acting/thinking/talking pride fully, it seems as though it's
all about me. As a follower of Jesus, it's all about Him. My focus
has to dramatically shift off of myself and MY accomplishments to
thanking God for what He is doing through or in me. As His word says -
"every good and perfect gift is from above."
Mark ended his devotional with this prayer which I prayed and I invite
all of us as Kiwanians to pray as well - Lord Jesus, I know there is no
room for pride in the gospel. If I could save myself, I wouldn't need
you. Help me this day to begin deflecting the credit for good things
in my life from myself to the rightful recipient - YOU. Thank you for
being everything I need. Amen
|
