It was a morning of jumbled thoughts. Not jumbled in the way of making no sense, but jumbled in the way of so-many-thoughts-I-need-to-control-them. I like that because it means my brain is working, 🙂 but it also makes it hard to focus on any one theme. Then I realized they actually relate to each other.
First, 2 Cor. 12 where Paul talks about his thorn in the flesh. In the previous chapter he struggled with bragging/boasting of his place in the church and then in chapter 12 he talks about a man (himself) who finds himself in the 3rd heaven. But a thorn in the flesh keeps him “honest” and relying on God’s grace.
Second, I finished reading about the story of the wise men. Their response to the birth of Jesus was worship. Their desire to follow the star, their worship at the feet of the Christ child, and then their obedience to the angel to not go back Herod’s way shows a heart that is honest and beats for God’s grace-even through they would not have called it that.
True worship and love for the Father must come from and beat in a heart of worship. To that end pride must evaporate, disappear, be non-existent. There is no place at the feet of Jesus for a proud person-unless he/she is releasing that pride. It is a place of humility and worship and-yes-grace.
“Father when I come to You may there be no pride, no arrogance, only humility and worship.”
Brings to mind the Matt Redman song- particularly the Michael W.Smith version. I recall Matt saying it was a reminder for people to put themselves aside and become producers not just consumers of worship. Powerful.
That is a great comment Jim. I forgot about that song applying here. I loved that song then and still do today. Thanks for the comment.
Pride can take many forms. I’ve dealt with it time and time again, and once you walk away from it.. .no matter how many times you do… it’s a very humbling experience to see where you were, and where you are.
You are so right Ed. pride can be deadly but God has a way of dealing with it…as I well know. Thanks for the comment.
May the Lord create humble hearts in all of us as we worship Him. Wonderful reflection, Bill!
Blessings!
That is most definitely a real need Martha. Thanks for coming by.