The Thing That We Lack

by Cheery Blossom⁽²⁵⁾

Psalms 138:6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. KJV

I Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.KJV

It seems that we live in a day and age that places so much emphasis on being the best, seeking honor, trophies, and fame, yet, the Scriptures speak much to us about humility. It was pride that sent Satan from heaven. He wanted to be of more importance than God Himself.

The scriptures tell us that we should walk humbly before God, but do we? It seems that we have to be sure to announce when we have done a charitable deed, hoping someone will give us a little mark for being spiritual, when it really doesn’t matter if others think we are spiritual or not. God is our ultimate judge, and He will be the one to repay.

What is in our heart when we offer to “keep the missionaries,” “ ask the preacher out for dinner, “and “visit the sick?” Do we truly have a servant’s heart, or do we hope for a little commendation? I think we all need to examine our motives. Perhaps without that, we don’t even realize why we do what we do. When we think we are humble, we have already become proud.

The story is told of Francis Xavier, who was a truly humble servant of God, and spent years on the mission field. As he was speaking in a city in Japan, a man came up from the audience. Xavier leaned his head over to hear what the man might have to say to him, and the man spit in his face. He simply reached for his handkerchief, wiped his face, and continued preaching. From that point on, his audience began to truly listen to him. There was a noted Dr. in the audience. He was so impressed that anyone could have that much courage and mastery over themselves. He was convinced that this could only come from God Himself, and sought a relationship with Jesus for himself.

Humility is not a natural human trait. Humility can only come to us as we submit to God.

The scriptures tell us that we are not even to let our right hand know what our left hand does. If we boast, we have had our reward. Let us strive to only seek God’s favor, and not that of man.

Lord, search my heart for my motives

Help me to fully understand.

When I allow pride to enter in,

And do not live as you have planned.

Help me to seek humility

That comes from the depth of my heart.

May I serve wholly in love for You,

Lying self down, before I depart.

V.M.

Article submitted Thursday, December 03, 2009 & read 168 times.

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» left by Anonymous (2 years 66 days ago.)

Verna, this is a wonderful reminder of what our motives should be. Thank you for your faithful service to our Lord and your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I am blessed by your wisdom. Keep sharing. Blessings to you! Teresa
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» left by Marijo Phelps⁽¹⁹⁹⁾ (2 years 66 days ago.)

Oh, Verna this is timely and really good piece! I have been thinking about writing about SELF RESPECT that seems to be lifted up by many and contrasting it to respecting others more than self and getting rid of SELF - die to SELF.... we are unique and created that way by our Heavenly Father and HE loves us - that is where our worth should come from - THANKS! Marijo
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