Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 - Two Ends of the Same Rope

"True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life." 
Proverbs 22:4
     You know her. She's the friend or acquaintance or co-worker who constantly berates herself, criticizes her looks, over-compliments others, and can't be convinced she's attractive, smart, etc., etc.  Somehow, in all her "humility," she manages to keep the conversation and spot-light on herself. 
     You know him, too. He's the know-it-all who stirs the pot just to get something started. He always has a better idea, a superior plan (which you usually hear about AFTER you've tried something else), a left-handed compliment, or an unsupported prejudice against what wasn't his idea. He loves to point out the mistakes and flaws in others to indirectly point the light to his success.
     In the search to be significant, people generally try one of these two extreme categories. Both practices trigger negative responses and defeat their own purposes, yet we're guilty of reducing ourselves to one of these tactics when we're  desperate for attention or the need to know we make a difference. Both personalities stink of pride instead of sending out the sweet aroma of God's Love to others. Both focus on self instead of the Savior's Grace and, neither leads to the abundant, free life God intended for us. Our false humility (another name for pride) doesn't impress God and depresses others.  And the peacock blue pride we strut actually ignites the hatred of God and brings a fall we won't forget.  
     "Humility doesn't mean you think less of yourself but that you think of yourself less" (Max Lucado, Facing Your Giants)

"The LORD despises pride; be assured that the proud will be punished." Proverbs 16:5

"Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall." Proverbs 16:18

"All who fear the LORD will hate evil. That is why I (the LORD) hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech." Proverbs 8:13

"Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other's faults because of  your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace." Ephesians 4:2

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