But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:25-28 NASB
Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, and if I have a besetting sin, this is it. Because I love to write, I will often sit down at my computer and just begin to write, in my pride confident I can do my very best. Yes, I can get by on giftedness alone, but I cannot do my very best work without first approaching the Throne of Grace, and asking humbly for God to enlighten my mind and give me words to write that will make a difference. Anything I do without God being involved in it, leading it, taking first place, is an empty conceit. How often I will begin something before putting God first. My love language is affirming words, so I often say and do things to draw attention to myself, rather than letting my light shine so that people see my good works and glorify my Father in Heaven. Pride. It cripples me.
The beautiful sea turtles you see in these pictures remind me that God is the Creative Genius I need. The Loggerhead top left is absolutely beautiful. On the right is a Hawksbill, gliding through the ocean waters with enchanting adroitness. And to the left is a Green sweeping through the Hawaiian waters with impressive speed and grace. Could I, with mere words begin to describe the beauty of these sea creatures? With His help I can do far more credit to His creative genius than I can without his help.
An Eastern Box Turtle, pictured on the right, lives in the woods, and in Indiana as I was growing up I found several of these beautiful turtles. God designed them so that they are very difficult to find in their natural habitat. There are dead leaves on the forest floor, and plants that effectively hide these distinctive shells from the casual observer. Yet in my pride I believe that I can approach a task as if I possessed this creative ability, as if I, in my own power, can successfully accomplish a task apart from His power. I really hate my pride! It pops up all the time and strains my relationship with my Savior. He is so patient and loving, allowing me to struggle until in frustration I finally call out for help. I'm sixty-four! One would think that by this time I managed to get a handle on this pride thing. And so, with a sigh, I must confess once again to the Lord that I acted as if I didn't need Him! How that must break His heart! He is so eager for my fellowship, desiring to help me, and all too often I brush off His gentle prodding with my pride. Forgive me, Lord. I cannot draw a breath without You!
A dear friend went to be with the Lord yesterday. When I heard the news I wept for a family now separated from a dear loved one, a wife, mother, and grandmother. But I was also envious, because her days of struggle are over. She is with Jesus! Now, in His presence, she is made perfect, and has the name He reserved for her. I look forward to that day. Until then, like you, I struggle on , battling my weakness by memorizing Scripture, praying, and hoping for that glorious future perfection. Paul told the church in Thessalonica to never disconnect from God, to never cease praying. Would that I could remember those three simple words! Never cease praying! Help me, Father!
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