Humble

Matthew 5:3  Blessed are those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Matthew 5:5   God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

Philippians 2:3-4   Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

These are the verses that have been sticking out to me over the last couple of weeks.  I know when God is impressing a verse on me, and then another pops up with the same theme, then another.....He is trying to tell me something!  LOL

Sadly, I know I have a problem with pride.  Not that I go around thinking I'm better than others, but I know that some of my attitudes, actions and words are based on a prideful heart.  Things like, "well, I'm not going to pick up that junk on the floor, those people should learn not to put it there!" Attitudes like that at work.  Or, how about, "If I do a really good job here, people will be impressed or they will think I'm special, valuable."  Again, the focus is on me and how I look, think or feel.  Instead of aiming to be a blessing, trying to make things better in my little slice of the world, or to please God, I am fixated on how I feel, what I think is right or wrong or fair, what is easiest for me.  Me me me me me !!

The only reason I need for anything in my life is to please the Lord.  I wish I could just instantly make all other motives disappear from my heart and mind!  But that is not the way it works now is it? No, I need reminders like these verses to give me a godly bop on the head!  And even if I don't want to hear it, I am grateful for the correction and direction.  God is so good.

What if everything I did...I did just and only to please the Lord.  Every action.  Every word. Thoughtful, purposeful....There was a song that I heard years ago, "Let's Forget About Ourselves...." What a wonderful concept.  A life lived focused centered on the Lord, living to bring Him glory and make Him smile.   Again, wish there were some magic wand to make this happen instantly!  But it's hard work !!!  LOL

I believe the Holy Spirit told me that in order to stay satisfied in life, in Jesus,  I need to stay humble. Isn't it pride that tells us we deserve more, or different.  We are entitled to better treatment, more recognition?   Is much of our unhappiness stemming from our pride?  Uh oh!  One of those "God questions!"

2 Corinthians 5:15  He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves.  Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 

It's all about JESUS!  Lord help me to live as if Your are the only one watching.  Let me live to make You smile, and bring joy to Your heart, and let others see You in me...more of You, less of me. Forgive me for my prideful ways and attitudes.  Help me to overcome this sin in my life.  Thank You for correction, patience, encouragement, and empowerment to "do everything through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13.)  Remind me today, remind me often....Heal me and those who are reading this, Lord.  Work in our lives to glorify Yourself and be a blessing to others.

Ask the Lord to show you any areas and attitudes in your heart and life that may have pride behind them.