So the topic of the moment, last week, was complaining. And at the end I mentioned one of the keys to getting over complaining is humility. (There are probably many more than just the two I mentioned in my last post, but I just want to focus on these for now.)
Humility is difficult.
I was at a youth event back in the mid 2000's, and the speaker ... well, to be honest, I don't completely remember what his message was about, or even his name, but what I do remember was after a deep thought... he shouted:
GET OVER YOURSELF!
IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU!
Wow. Talk about wake up call...
Maybe he was pushing us to get out of our comfort zones, and actually DO something with our lives. Maybe he was saying we need to STOP being so selfish and consider others in our day-to-day occurrences. As I reflect on these seven words that have stuck with me for at least a decade,
98% of the time
it's almost always
all about me.
And that ain't right...
Now, I'm not saying we have to completely disown the idea of taking care of ourselves; making sure we're clothed and fed, well-rested is important. But from time to time, it would be a good idea to consider others before ourselves, especially when we're part of an organization or group where there is a distinct authority figure.
1 Corinthians 12:25 ESV ~ ... that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.
Division... Speaking of division, the word can literally be broken down into two parts. Di: meaning two; double. Vision: - to simplify for the sake of this blog (and my own brain) - means goal; "the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result" (google). When there are more than one vision in an organization, and people have secret agendas and ideas that they want to see fulfilled... there is pride among them. Pride is the opposite of humility. And when we lack humility, we lack wisdom...
James 3:13 NIV ~ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 NKJV ~ When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
It takes the courage to get over ourselves and be humble. It's the very center of our earthly human nature. What I mean is, pride always makes a person look ugly...
One of the main things I've struggled with earlier on in my current work experience is the feeling of not being recognized for when I do something that is creditworthy. Or, at least, it's creditworthy in my opinion. And also thinking that I knew better than the person in authority above me. But I've come to learn that our Heavenly Father is always watching and wants me to be humble.
1 Peter 5:5b-7 ESV ~ Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV ~ And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
When I decided to start working for Him rather than for the applause of my human employer, it didn't matter as much if I was getting credit or not. God sees all, hears all, and knows all. I'm trusting Him with my reward... are you?
