It's not about me... Really!

Today's Bible study looked at the biggest obstacle to glorifying God...

Pride.

I never really understood the meaning of "pride" until I surrendered my life to Christ and started studying His Word. It is wrong to take credit that should go to God, glorifying Him, instead of me. I still struggle with it from time to time (more often than I'd like to admit). It is so natural for us, as humans (not Jesus) to want to have attention directed at us, so people think we are responsible for whatever good happens in our lives. I read something this morning in my Bible study that hit me like a ton of bricks... because it is so true! I haven't been able to get it out of my mind.

I quote Beth Moore in Breaking Free, "Even when we desire the fame of our spouses or children, deep inside we are often yearning for the fame they might lend to us."

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch!

I never really thought about how much time I have spent seeking glory, and sometimes by living through my husband and kids. I'm proud of my husband because of _____. I'm proud that my daughter is doing so well living in the big city, supporting herself by working _____. I'm proud that my son is a _____. I mean, seriously! Somehow I think people will think better of me because of what they have accomplished. Whenever anything is brought up about how well they are doing I should be quick to turn it around and give God the credit. He is responsible anyway... not them... and surely not me! I'm not sure if I explained this well, but I really needed to hear this today.

I have to add more of what Beth shared about what God wants to do versus what Pride does:

"*God wants to get to our hearts. Pride covers the heart.
*God wants to free us from hindrances in our past. Pride refuses to look back.
*God wants to treat us with His Word. Pride doesn't like to be told what to do.
*God wants to set us completely free. Pride thinks he's free enough.
*God wants to bring us out of dark closets. Pride says secrets are nobody's business.
*God wants to help us with constraining problems. Pride denies there is a problem.
*God wants to make us strong in Him. Pride won't admit to weakness."

Further, some people overly admit to weakness and that, in turn leads to pride because it is still all about them... or should I say, me?!? Forgive me, Lord! If you asked me what quality I most admire in people it is hands-down someone who is humble. I can think of a few people off the top of my head who have done great things but never ever talk about it. They are quick to change the subject and turn the attention away from themselves. But, rarely do I hear them say it's only because of God's Grace that I am ____.

The main thing I learned today is that God hates pride. Period. I already knew it, but it was great to study it more deeply than I ever have before. I would love to remove pride completely from my life. Just think about what a different world it would be if there was no such thing. I'm pretty sure it would be a lot like Heaven.

I needed this lesson on Humility. I bow before Him this evening. I hope you'll join me.



In His Love,
A.