Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. (Pro 16:18-20)
Ok, I'm going to meddle - and expose!
Pride does indeed go before destruction. But I've discovered two things. First, "destruction" may come so that pride is exposed. Pride must be exposed so we may repent of it.
Second, even in the "destruction" pride will fight tooth and nail.
We live in a culture of pride. Pride of ownership, pride of place, pride of success. We are encouraged to "have our pride" and to protect it regardless of the cost. We are taught that humiliation and being humble are the same and both are bad.
We recently received a couple of gifts to help us meet our obligations. I can only describe me initial feeling as wonderful humiliation. No sooner was I rejoicing at the kindness and generosity of my brothers and sisters in Christ than I was overcome with a deep and painful sense of shame and humiliation.
Pride makes us suffer, when we suffer, in isolation. We are convinced that we need to "put a good face," on everything. It's the old, "never let them see you sweat," admonition that sold tons of antiperspirant. Huh?
Sweating is a normal and healthy bodily function. We, however, have become convinced that it is not acceptable. But, not sweating can be dangerous.
Suffering, difficult times, are normal for believers but we have become convinced that any suffering is a sign that we are somehow under God's wrath. This is the cruelest deception our enemy perpetrates on us. In Christ we have only God's discipline, never -- NEVER - His wrath.
Yet we react to suffering as though we should be ashamed. Others react to our suffering as though we should be shunned. This should not be - but it is - and we must work depending on Him to overcome it.
I am asking myself: How do I face these people now that my need is known? How can I hold my head up, look them in the eye? What are they really thinking when they look at me? What are they really saying when our situation comes up in conversation?
See the worm of pride in that? See the self-focus? See the suspicion of God's provision through His people? Seer how the worm of pride eats away at the mercies and grace of God in our hearts? See how pride is the great spoiler of blessings?
When God disciplines us with a "destruction" He does so because He loves us and He wants better for and of us than has been the case. He wants us to depend upon Him more than we have. This is a good thing even though it can be a painful thing.
In his sermon,
109 |
|
Alistair addresses this issue. I listen to this sermon every night as I go to bed. I am working though the prideful anxiety he speaks about. It's not easy and it is certainly not pleasant but I know it must be done.
Living in each 60 seconds casting my cares upon Him is tough. I have learning and am still learning that it is not something I can do on my own. I am also learning that I am not expected to do it on my own. It is quite the opposite, I am to seek His provision, His power, to do it. I won't do it on my own - not can I.
I want to encourage all of you who understand what I am writing about to accept not only His merciful discipline but also His gracious offer of care, comfort and provision.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1Pe 5:6-7)
This is the passage that Alistair preaches from. Humbling and casting go together and we may have confidence in doing so because He cares for us.
Father, let my focus on "I" be from my need for You and not because of my need. You tell me to humble myself and to cast my anxiety on You. I want to and I know that I must have Your provision to do so. Please Father, keep this promise before my eyes and in my heart.
Father, protect me from those pin-points of pride that steal my joy and confidence in you. Make me understand that becoming humble is a good thing and what You are doing in our lives is a blessing and a mercy and that if flows from Your love and grace.
Father make it possible for me to know Your kindness and care and to accept You provision with a humble and contrite heart. My anxiety does not come from You and I ask that You silence and still it. Lord, take the sinful pride from my heart and make me move forward in Your love and grace and service.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment