So the last will be first, and the first will be last. Matt. 20:16
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matt: 20:26-28
I’ve been reminded a lot lately of the destruction pride brings about and the importance of humility. Much of it is because of my own struggles with pride, and my health, but these last few days some things that have been happening in pop culture (sports in particular) that have really driven home the point of these verses.
Since coming to know God, it truly amazes me how prideful we humans are. My own pride keeps me up at night. I struggle daily with trying to “serve the lord with great humility” (Acts 20:19a) and making peace in my heart about not getting my way – not being “first.” What is up with that? I often ask the question when I pray – “why is my pride so deep?” I’ve become very good at not showing outward signs of pridefulness, but it is still in my heart.
Watching recent news events, only served to make this aspect of my sin sting more. As some of you may know, I am an endurance athlete. And while I don’t have that “win at any cost” attitude, I do struggle with not being as fast or as strong as others – not being first. What I really want is to be able to compete truly for His Glory and not for my own. How do “star” athletes who are believers (Ray Lewis, Tim Tebow, Matt Stover) get to that level without being prideful? My pride keeps me up at night. Does theirs?
I guess I just have to keep reminding myself that it’s not about me. There is something bigger going on here. God is here – Jesus DIED for me.
Father, help me work out my pride. Help me to always know that you are the reason I exist. And that I exist to serve only you. I commit to living my life to that ideal. Amen
Jim (jmitch1)
Sixty-six books in a year 