What is it that makes us proud? Our nationality or heritage? Sure. Our belonging to one group or association that not all can nor ever will attain the title of 'member'? Again, yes most assuredly! Yes, of course, that is something of which to be proud.
What about those feelings of ‘belonging’ that take place in our restating of the fact that we are "Amer-Ind" or "32nd Degree" or other such distinction? What is it that "swells in our bosom" and fills us with such intense feelings that if one were to prick us with a pin we'd burst?
Pride.
Yes, pride and if the truth were really understood, pride is the one thing that can make us paupers in our faith. "What?” you might ask , “How can what my great-great-great grandparents went through cause that?" Or even "How does my attaining such a lofty title of importance make me some how less because of it?"
Because, these are all lies. Their intent is to make us seem (but not in reality) better or loftier or in higher esteem than those who sit at our feet and beg for morsels of favor from our table...
Here's an exercise for us to do...if we were to put together a resume for entrance into God's kingdom, how much weight would be given to such accolades? How many more jewels in the crown of our life will we be able to one day lay at the feet of our precious Savior... as we are standing before His glory, truth and love?
In total honesty, I can say that there are positions that I have attained and can hold before men and say "See? I have been placed in higher status that you. I can hold my head high for the accolades that others have placed behind my name for honors I have been given"
I must also be able to answer, "What good will that do me when I am asked "Do you love my sheep?" "
For you see, all the medals and trophies and plaques and honors will do me no good when I have been tasked with going before all men and telling them about the Good News.
All that I would have once counted as gain, are now placed in the category of loses. All that I could parade before men and show them what this proud soul was able to accomplish will be placed upon the dustbin of history. There is only one thing that I want to be credited with upon that day... that my name is to be found in the book of life and that He will not turn to me saying "Depart from me, for I do not know you"
If I have any pride at all in my life, let it be because of the fact that He loves me... despite my failings and lack of resolve to do what I know He has called me to do... despite my own lack of concern for those that I encounter and do not take the time to share the reason for my hope... simply telling others about my "BFF Jesus".
Oh, that for such a poor sinner He would still love me despite my shortcomings where my pride is concerned. That He still loves me, despite all of that, is enough proof that miracles are real and still occur today in our time.
What do you get all puffed up about? Is it from His love... or from something that you love?
The answer to this question means everything, and in truth, means eternity to you.
Make sure that you are living the correct answer.
Are you?
I pray constantly that i am... |
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