The last week or so in particular, I have been really homesick, and desiring all things familiar. In retrospect, I am sure what I displayed was more pride and stubbornness about all these little inconveniences than anything. And pride, my friend, is a terrible thing.
The way I see it, people have two ways to respond to situations; Be it pleasant ones, or unpleasant ones. The first way, is to view the situation (again good or bad) as it applies to oneself. Either this thing was really good for me, or this thing was really bad for me. The former grows pride in a much more obvious, blatant way. The latter takes a different form of pride. The kind that is manifest in self pity and wanting to drag everyone else down out of jealousy. Both are prideful.
The second, the less natural way, is to view the situation in a proper perspective. This world is not about me. To try and realize that because the universe caters not to me, but to a holy God. Pride is hard to escape, God makes it clear in the Bible that He will not stand for pride. I recently read through Daniel. The entire first half sets up a beautiful picture of the Lord, dealing rightly with pride.
So right off the bat, God allows King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, to conquer Judah. Increasing his land and power. Long story, good details, Daniel and friends wanting vegan diets, a few name changes, Belteshazzar interprets dreams, God praised, idols built, fiery furnace, God praised, so on and so forth. After a myriad of events (which are really a good read- I don't mean to make light of them at all), King Nebuchadnezzar makes this statement stop his palace roof. "Is this not great Babylon which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?"
I love God's response. The timing, the word choice, everything. Before the king even finishes his statement, a voice from Heaven says, "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom shall depart from you, you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you will be made to eat grass like an ox." The Bible says IMMEDIATELY the word was fulfilled against him. Because of his pride- when clearly God put him in his place of power with a win over Judah, God cast him out from among men for Seven years (well...periods of time). He eats grass like an ox, he is made to be wet with the dew from heaven, his hair will grow lie the eagles feathers, and his nails like bird's claws. Pride sucks. Just ask Nebuchadnezzar.
BUT, we serve a gracious God. His gives gifts, not pay. He gives grace, not wages. The Bible says after the days had passed, Nebuchadnezzar says, "I lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me..." God is so gracious. All His works are right and all His ways are just; those who walk in pride He is able to humble. Even if God had not ever restored Nebuchadnezzar, He would have been right in doing so. ALL His works are right.
I need to evaluate myself so often. I don't think I could do it enough, because God is so serious about pride. Pride puts us in a higher place than we could ever hope to deserve. It elevates self, and parades it in front of men, rather than letting God be magnified before men. I am ashamed when I think of all the prideful moments I have DAILY. It seems like I am either committing a selfish act, about to commit a selfish act, or reflecting and repenting for a selfish act. The flesh loves itself, and wants everyone and everything else to love it. But that is a fight that we cannot afford to shirk. Pride is sin in its most clear definition- us rebelling from what should be a child like dependence on God. Thinking that we can do anything apart from Him, and that it is better that way. Not so. Therefore, I must decrease and Christ must increase. I have a lot to work on. Good thing Africa is helping to keep me humble.
Peace,
Joel
No comments:
Post a Comment