I received a note from a friend the other day that made me stop and really think about myself. It wasnt necessarily a good thought either which was kind of sad. It had to do with pride. In America, I think pride is considered a good trait. In fact, Im not sure how many people I could get to disagree with me. As a mom and teacher, Im constantly telling my kids to be proud of themselves, to take pride in their work, to be proud of the choices they make, and to be proud to be Americans and all those that have and do fight for this great country we live in. Pride is a good thing. Right? Your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God. - Deuteronomy 8:14 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. - Psalm 10:4 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ - Obadiah 1:3 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. - Proverbs 16:18 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. - Proverbs 18:12 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. - 1 Corinthians 13:4 I will break down your stubborn pride. - Leviticus 26:19 Obviously, pride is not a good thing after all. Pride is me thinking I dont need anyone or anything. I can do it all by myself! Yes, this was me. Yes, God has broken down my stubborn pride. But...I missed even more of the message which brings me back to the note from my friend. I had relented and agreed to allow this person to help me. This was her response that left me thinking: Really I should thank you for allowing me to serve God in helping others. Im honored. My sad realization about my own pride is that not only does it keep me farther away from God, it also keeps others who genuinely want to help us from serving God. How sad is that? Since being diagnosed with cancer, God has stripped me of my pride. Ive been humbled beyond belief. Ive had to admit to defeat and weakness. Ive had to ask for help. Ive discovered theres no real Superwoman living here. My only superpowers come from God. It is an amazing blessing to give. Its an amazing blessing to serve God by helping others. My friend is right. But it is also a great blessing to receive a gift of service to God from someone else. Now that my pride has been broken down not only have I become humbled, but Ive also become honored to be one of Gods great creations in need of Him every single day.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 01:01:40 +0000
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