Why do people have such a hard time with humility? Is it that hard for us to get over ourselves?
How many times have you heard, “They didn’t know who they were messing with!” Or how about, “Do you know who I am?” Usually, these phrases are uttered with extreme contempt and a huff and a puff.
In society, we are taught to strive for the biggest, the best, and the shiniest. And we feel obligated to let people “know who we are,” in any way we can. We do this by indirectly (and sometimes boldly) saying things that imply:
• “I’m better than you.”
• “I have more than you.”
• “I’m more important than you.”
Personally, I believe that the person who really has the most is the one who has no problem with being the least among others. The purest example of humility of all is that of Jesus, whose very existence on earth was devoid of any luxuries or conveniences. He had no big car, no nice house, no fancy robe, or anything. In fact, in Luke 9: 57–58 we find that, “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’ ”
As followers of Christ, we don’t have to rely on material things to prove our importance. Our treasures are spiritual and our importance is in Him.
I want to choose humility. What about you? Click on the word "comments" below to leave a comment!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Cutting Both Ends of the Ham
Sometimes we do things a certain way just because that’s the way we’ve always done them. Every now and then it’s worth taking time to stop and assess our actions. My former pastor, the late Rev. John E. Sharpe, used to tell the following story:
During a family holiday gathering, there was a woman in the kitchen who was busily preparing the meal. She took out the ham and lopped off the front and back ends before placing it in the large baking pan.
“Mom, why do you always cut both ends of the ham?” her daughter asked, after observing the ritual. “Well, that’s funny,” the woman said, “I never really thought about it. It’s something my mom always did.” Just then, the woman’s mother came into the kitchen for a glass of water. “Grandma,” the youngest woman said, “why is it that you always cut both ends of the ham before baking it?” The oldest woman thought for a moment and said, “Well, that’s the way my mother always did it.”
At that very moment, the matriarch of the family entered the kitchen. “Great-grandmother,” the youngest woman said to her, “We were just wondering. Why is it that you always cut off both ends of the ham before you baked it?” Without hesitation, the eldest woman present said, “Oh, child, that was because my pan was always too small!”
Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees for doing things out of tradition and ritual. He wanted them to understand that their intentions were more important than their practices (read Matthew 6).
As followers of Christ, let’s examine our actions and act consciously. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!
During a family holiday gathering, there was a woman in the kitchen who was busily preparing the meal. She took out the ham and lopped off the front and back ends before placing it in the large baking pan.
“Mom, why do you always cut both ends of the ham?” her daughter asked, after observing the ritual. “Well, that’s funny,” the woman said, “I never really thought about it. It’s something my mom always did.” Just then, the woman’s mother came into the kitchen for a glass of water. “Grandma,” the youngest woman said, “why is it that you always cut both ends of the ham before baking it?” The oldest woman thought for a moment and said, “Well, that’s the way my mother always did it.”
At that very moment, the matriarch of the family entered the kitchen. “Great-grandmother,” the youngest woman said to her, “We were just wondering. Why is it that you always cut off both ends of the ham before you baked it?” Without hesitation, the eldest woman present said, “Oh, child, that was because my pan was always too small!”
Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees for doing things out of tradition and ritual. He wanted them to understand that their intentions were more important than their practices (read Matthew 6).
As followers of Christ, let’s examine our actions and act consciously. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Plane Talk
My husband’s grandfather used to say, “Never withhold a word from a person. One word can change someone’s life.” I think there’s a lot of truth to that.
I was on a flight recently from Dallas to Newark, and sitting in the window seat, I was resigned to simply doing a Sudoku puzzle to pass the time. Turns out, my neighbor in the middle seat was an avid fan of the game, as well, and we began talking. The conversation flowed easily and went from puzzles to other topics, such as family and values. I learned that my neighbor was a man of the faith. And as we talked about religion and Biblical principles, there were so many areas in which we wholeheartedly agreed.
If the story ended there, I think there would be no need to continue to blog about it. But the most interesting thing happened. As we talked about society and culture, we found that we had very different perspectives in some areas. And it led to a very healthy debate about issues such as abortion, race, and politics.
Now the last time I checked, there were certain issues you don’t discuss in mixed company. I think we covered them all! And our somewhat private conversation began tickling the ears of our other neighbor in the aisle seat. Soon, he was fully engaged in the conversation. And we realized the significance of our interaction. The three of us were different across so many lines: racial, gender, religious (our neighbor in the aisle was Jewish), socio-economic, and political. Yet, we were able to hold an honest conversation with one another without being “politically correct,” but respectful of each other’s point of view. By engaging each other’s differences, I believe we each carried something away to share with others in our lives.
The Bible tells us to be open to engaging one another. Hebrews 13:1-2 reads, “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
I believe we need more open dialogue. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!
I was on a flight recently from Dallas to Newark, and sitting in the window seat, I was resigned to simply doing a Sudoku puzzle to pass the time. Turns out, my neighbor in the middle seat was an avid fan of the game, as well, and we began talking. The conversation flowed easily and went from puzzles to other topics, such as family and values. I learned that my neighbor was a man of the faith. And as we talked about religion and Biblical principles, there were so many areas in which we wholeheartedly agreed.
If the story ended there, I think there would be no need to continue to blog about it. But the most interesting thing happened. As we talked about society and culture, we found that we had very different perspectives in some areas. And it led to a very healthy debate about issues such as abortion, race, and politics.
Now the last time I checked, there were certain issues you don’t discuss in mixed company. I think we covered them all! And our somewhat private conversation began tickling the ears of our other neighbor in the aisle seat. Soon, he was fully engaged in the conversation. And we realized the significance of our interaction. The three of us were different across so many lines: racial, gender, religious (our neighbor in the aisle was Jewish), socio-economic, and political. Yet, we were able to hold an honest conversation with one another without being “politically correct,” but respectful of each other’s point of view. By engaging each other’s differences, I believe we each carried something away to share with others in our lives.
The Bible tells us to be open to engaging one another. Hebrews 13:1-2 reads, “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
I believe we need more open dialogue. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
I’m Not Doing That!
I developed a bad habit. I became quick to say what I would or would not do.
In my defense, I had formerly been the person who said, “yes” to everything. Want me to watch someone’s ill-behaved kids for a few hours? “Yes!” Want me to loan out a few dollars that will never be paid back? “Yes!” Want me to volunteer my time to do something that no one else wants to do? “Yes! Yes! Yes!” It became so overwhelming and cumbersome that one morning, I woke up and decided, “I’m not doing that!”
No longer did I sign up for things that required more time and energy than anyone else was willing to contribute. No longer did I go out of my way to help people who were helpless all the time. No longer did I do anything that I didn’t feel like doing. But did I become a better person for it? Not at all. Because I had gotten so good at it, that even when the Holy Spirit gave me direction, I said, “No, I’m not doing that!” That led to massive disobedience on my part and major consequences for me.
I tried to justify my new behavior by pleading with God that my “Yes!” mentality was problematic. People were taking advantage of me left and right. Then I was reminded that the Bible tells us that if our brother takes advantage of us, we are not to withdraw our efforts or hold back our love toward him. That’s the spirit of Luke 6:30–31 which says, “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” When it comes to our time, our energy, and our resources, we are to be always willing to give as Christ has always given – and continues to give – to us.
Turn down a chance to give? I’m not doing that anymore! How do you feel about giving? Leave a comment!
In my defense, I had formerly been the person who said, “yes” to everything. Want me to watch someone’s ill-behaved kids for a few hours? “Yes!” Want me to loan out a few dollars that will never be paid back? “Yes!” Want me to volunteer my time to do something that no one else wants to do? “Yes! Yes! Yes!” It became so overwhelming and cumbersome that one morning, I woke up and decided, “I’m not doing that!”
No longer did I sign up for things that required more time and energy than anyone else was willing to contribute. No longer did I go out of my way to help people who were helpless all the time. No longer did I do anything that I didn’t feel like doing. But did I become a better person for it? Not at all. Because I had gotten so good at it, that even when the Holy Spirit gave me direction, I said, “No, I’m not doing that!” That led to massive disobedience on my part and major consequences for me.
I tried to justify my new behavior by pleading with God that my “Yes!” mentality was problematic. People were taking advantage of me left and right. Then I was reminded that the Bible tells us that if our brother takes advantage of us, we are not to withdraw our efforts or hold back our love toward him. That’s the spirit of Luke 6:30–31 which says, “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” When it comes to our time, our energy, and our resources, we are to be always willing to give as Christ has always given – and continues to give – to us.
Turn down a chance to give? I’m not doing that anymore! How do you feel about giving? Leave a comment!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Change It!
More often than you may realize, your circumstance is a product of your unwillingness to change it.
One of my favorite examples is of a place where I used to work. After two years, I realized that my fabulous career had become a mundane 9-to-5 job. I was miserable. Then I realized that for years, I had been telling people, “If you don’t like your situation, change it!” It was time to practice what I taught.
After complaining, crying, and some prayer and fasting, I woke up one morning and turned in my resignation. It wasn't an easy decision with all of my family's financial responsibilities. However, I did it with the faith of knowing that God is my "source" and my job is only a "re-source." And to God be the glory, I had a new job within a week at a place that I actually enjoyed. I was back to loving what I did and I loved where I was doing it.
Your first reaction may be, “That’s great for you, but not everybody can do that!” Says who? Fear and faith cannot coexist, so if you are afraid of making a major change, of course it is impossible to do it. But I believe what I am told in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I never recommend trying to change your situation alone. Seek God’s direction as we’re told in Proverbs 3:5 – 6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Something going on in your life you don’t like? Change it! What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!
One of my favorite examples is of a place where I used to work. After two years, I realized that my fabulous career had become a mundane 9-to-5 job. I was miserable. Then I realized that for years, I had been telling people, “If you don’t like your situation, change it!” It was time to practice what I taught.
After complaining, crying, and some prayer and fasting, I woke up one morning and turned in my resignation. It wasn't an easy decision with all of my family's financial responsibilities. However, I did it with the faith of knowing that God is my "source" and my job is only a "re-source." And to God be the glory, I had a new job within a week at a place that I actually enjoyed. I was back to loving what I did and I loved where I was doing it.
Your first reaction may be, “That’s great for you, but not everybody can do that!” Says who? Fear and faith cannot coexist, so if you are afraid of making a major change, of course it is impossible to do it. But I believe what I am told in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I never recommend trying to change your situation alone. Seek God’s direction as we’re told in Proverbs 3:5 – 6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Something going on in your life you don’t like? Change it! What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Importance of Being Unimportant
Why is it so important for people to be important? Today’s celebrities seem to be nothing but glory hounds that will do just about anything to be seen, heard, and recognized. It trickles down to everyday life, where people seem to be doing more and more outrageous things to gain some kind of notoriety. Just turn on any reality TV show, for starters.
There are very few people in this day and age who seem to shy away from the cameras or the recognition. Someone once told me that he loves his position in church – in the “Cleanup Ministry.” He’s the one in the sanctuary after service with a broom and dustpan. Interestingly enough, no one ever tries to take his broom away from him, or fight for his position. He is a committee of one, just getting the job done for the glory of God.
The psalmist recognized the importance of keeping a low profile and staying close to God. He wrote in Psalm 84:10, “…I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” He would rather be a simple man standing on his feet all day, working in the house of the Lord than to live in the fabulous tents – or the “cribs” – of the moneymakers and shotcallers (you know, the very “important” people) of his day.
Does wealth and fame go hand in hand with wickedness? Not necessarily. But the love of money, the greed for material things, the lust for fame…those are all things that can separate us from serving God and trying to please him.
Do you find it important to be important? Why or why not? Leave a comment!
There are very few people in this day and age who seem to shy away from the cameras or the recognition. Someone once told me that he loves his position in church – in the “Cleanup Ministry.” He’s the one in the sanctuary after service with a broom and dustpan. Interestingly enough, no one ever tries to take his broom away from him, or fight for his position. He is a committee of one, just getting the job done for the glory of God.
The psalmist recognized the importance of keeping a low profile and staying close to God. He wrote in Psalm 84:10, “…I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” He would rather be a simple man standing on his feet all day, working in the house of the Lord than to live in the fabulous tents – or the “cribs” – of the moneymakers and shotcallers (you know, the very “important” people) of his day.
Does wealth and fame go hand in hand with wickedness? Not necessarily. But the love of money, the greed for material things, the lust for fame…those are all things that can separate us from serving God and trying to please him.
Do you find it important to be important? Why or why not? Leave a comment!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Do Over!
Have you ever wished you could just start all over again? Just forget about everything and start from scratch? When we were playing games as kids, I remember that when all hope was lost, someone would call, “Do Over!” and we’d start all over again.
Maybe we can still call, “Do Over!” every now and again. The other morning, I woke up really late. I looked at the clock and became upset and jumped out of bed with a foul attitude. Then I decided, why not try a do over? I hit the snooze button and went back to sleep. When the alarm rang the second time, I praised God for waking me up, figured out what I could do to get out of the house quickly, and restarted my day – this time with a better attitude and outlook.
Maybe it’s time to give that story you’re writing a fresh start. Perhaps you can restart a project you’ve been working on. Maybe it’s time for something new in your life.
Jesus gave us the opportunity for the ultimate “do over.” We find that in John 3:3-8, Jesus tells Nicodemus that a man must be born again to reach the kingdom of God. When we are born again, we become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) and given the opportunity to live our lives with a fresh, new start.
What area of your life demands a “do over?” Leave a comment.
Maybe we can still call, “Do Over!” every now and again. The other morning, I woke up really late. I looked at the clock and became upset and jumped out of bed with a foul attitude. Then I decided, why not try a do over? I hit the snooze button and went back to sleep. When the alarm rang the second time, I praised God for waking me up, figured out what I could do to get out of the house quickly, and restarted my day – this time with a better attitude and outlook.
Maybe it’s time to give that story you’re writing a fresh start. Perhaps you can restart a project you’ve been working on. Maybe it’s time for something new in your life.
Jesus gave us the opportunity for the ultimate “do over.” We find that in John 3:3-8, Jesus tells Nicodemus that a man must be born again to reach the kingdom of God. When we are born again, we become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) and given the opportunity to live our lives with a fresh, new start.
What area of your life demands a “do over?” Leave a comment.
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