In my gut somewhere, my opinion on a certain subject feels correct and right. It isn't that I don't question myself--- I do often. And, I often feel insecure, as well. Insecurity and pride are so closely linked, though, it is hard to separate the two. Like friends in a vicious, spiraling, twisted up, co-dependent relationship so are arrogance and insecurity.
But, generally, I do feel right about a lot of things. And, I judge. I compare. I am talking about my way of doing things, the values that I hold, the deep seated truths about how to do or to be... in these things it is hard to see beyond self--- beyond Stephanie.
C.S. Lewis says, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less."
I think of me way too often. I know it is ugly. Ugly and twisted. It sounds particularly horrid saying it out loud or to write it down, I know. But, it is true. Am I alone here?
Sunday morning I was struck with Christ's words, "learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Yesterday morning I read, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:1-2)
And this morning I read, "No matter how far we have moved in the Christian life, we can still know that every opinion we hold and every act we perform is something less than the best. We never have the Holy Spirit in our pockets, completely domesticated and supporting everything we are doing." ~Harvey Seifert, Liberation and Life
Three days, three separate places... is there a theme here for me, Lord? (smile)
So, I wonder today if it is time (again) to pick up that classic, deeply challenging book by Andrew Murray, Humility.
Is it time, again, Lord to delve into my pride, self righteousness and my self centeredness? That is never a fun journey, I might say!
But, how can I resist the sweet invitation from my Jesus as He says to me, "Come to me!" "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart." For with this invitation comes a beautiful promise, "and I will give you rest for your souls."
Pride and Insecurity takes their toll on a soul. Self righteousness and self centeredness are tiring and bring exhaustion to the spirit. Jesus offers Himself and He offers rest. Teach me Jesus. Teach me to be gentle and humble of heart.