Humility

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January 27

Monday, January 27th, 2025

As I sit down at my computer to write this morning, I’m speechless…or is that write-less?  I could complain and say I am super tired. Which I am. (I have been up since 1:00 because my knee hurt and I could not find a comfortable zone). I could say my brain is mush after a long day yesterday of preaching, interacting, building relationships, studying, and drinking one bottle too many of Dr. Pepper Zero. (At the most I drink one every other day or so. I drank two yesterday afternoon. I think I’ll think twice before I do that again). To top it off I have a whopper of a headache that I have just now taken some ibuprofen to take care of (I do that very sparingly). Then when I got to the office the young people decided to “decorate” my office. I think it took me almost 1/2 hour to get it cleared out.

So what do I do? I remember a book I read last week by Jon Gordon called The No Complaining Rule. I just hate it when something I read comes home to roost so quickly. Well…not really but I wanted to get that off my chest! 🙂 Jon likes to write Leadership Fables and this was in an office setting of a company that just had a disaster hit its product. It is well worth the time to read it. It is a  quick read of 120 pages with suggestions after the story. One of the solutions to complaining is what I needed to practice and see again this morning. It is called Five Things to Do Instead of Complaining. I decided to practice them and to share them with you:

  1. Practice Gratitude. Counting our blessings changes our perspective and our attitude. I needed an AA (Attitude Adjustment) this morning to be thankful that I have wife and family who loves me; a church who is grateful for me and whom I love; for the two who made public confessions of their faith yesterday and then were baptized; and for another day vertical.
  2. Praise Others. Part of my sleeplessness last night was doing just this: how can I thank the two at the YMCA who opened early for us to use the pool for our baptisms?
  3. Focus on Success. We had a good day yesterday. Many pastors focus on numbers and I’ll admit I’m not immune to that (although I try to be). But from the very first note of our worship, I sensed God’s presence. I loved the songs we sang and one of our men did a bang up job (with help from his daughter and wife singing) on his Communion Meditation.
  4. Let Go. Focus on things we have control over, not those we don’t.
  5. Pray and Meditate. I will say Pray and Read Scripture. This morning I read Psalm 57 and 58, as well as Proverbs 27.  I triple dog dare you to read them. 🙂 

As I look this over, I have written more words than I thought I would. Guess that is what happens when you stop complaining!!

January 21

Tuesday, January 21st, 2025

“Man, that is one stubborn dude!” 

Have you ever used those words? Have they ever been used about you? Trust me when I say they are not a compliment. Other ways to say that don’t lessen the impact. “Stubborn as a mule.” Aaaah yeah…highly complimentary. Pig-headed. Another highly complimentary phrase.

Of course there are those who consider being stubborn a compliment. I’m not sure why, except they will rationalize it by saying, “I stick by my guns.”  “I have convictions and people know where I stand.” I beg to differ with that assessment. There is a difference between convictions based on truth and stubbornness based on personal opinion or belief.

The Bible is filled with stubborn people. Balaam is one. He is the one who had a donkey talk to him. His full story is found in Numbers 22-24. I’d say it is not a compliment when your donkey knows what is better than you do! There are also the kings who decided to do things their own way. How about Jonah who decided to forego a cruise to Ninevah for parts unknown? But I think one of the most stubborn people in the Bible is Pharaoh. My Bible reading for the Everyday Gospel Devotional has taken me from Exodus 7-12 the past two days. You may be familiar with the plagues that struck Egypt because of Pharaoh’s stubbornness: the Nile turned to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally the death of the firstborn. It appears the Israelites were spared these plagues, especially the last one due to the Passover Meal. With blood on the doorpost and down the side of the door, the death angel passed over the household.

Back to Pharaoh. Talk about stubborn! After each plague he would tell Moses to take the people and get out of here but then would change his mind. Even when his advisors told him to let them go (after the plague of locusts) Pharaoh would not listen. The death of his firstborn son finally broke him. At least temporarily. His final act of stupidity…I mean, stubbornness…was chasing the people of Israel into the Red Sea which had parted for them but swallowed Pharaoh and his army.

Being stubborn is not a positive trait. That is especially true when it leads to being bull-headed and taking action which is not good. Standing by/for something that is not true or good. Being stubborn is an act of selfishness. Pharaoh could have saved himself and the people he ruled a lot of heartache and headache if he had not been so stubborn and listened to his advisors. We are often no different. Verse after verse in the Bible speaks of the stubbornness of the people. Deuteronomy. Jeremiah. Isaiah. And others. And we are not exempt either.

Humility. Kindness. Mercy. Love. Grace. They all keep stubbornness in check. It’s time…

January 15

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025

I began reading a leadership book by Jon Gordon called The Energy Bus yesterday. I haven’t been able to get very far into it since I was at a doctor’s office waiting and got interrupted. (How rude!) 🙂  So far the gist of the book is Positivity vs Negativity. As I thought about that and then as I listened to the confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth while I ate my supper, I couldn’t but see that many of those lawmakers needed a good dose of what this book appears to be about. The vitriol, negativity, hypocrisy and downright nastiness was a big turn off to me.

The Bible speaks about doing all things without grumbling and complaining (Phil. 2:14). To use another word: whining. I remember as I was growing up one of my grandfather’s favorite expressions was “Oh, stop your belly-achin'” Even as I type those words I can hear him saying them. (Not to me, of course, because I never complained). 🙂  Seriously though, he was on the money. No one ever made their situation or attitude better-or those around them-by grumbling and complaining.  When I think of someone whining I think of a little child who is not getting his/her way and let’s everyone know. That little whiny voice just grates on my nerves. Well…sadly, many never seem to grow out of that stage of life. Oh, their bodies grow. And yes, their minds grow (least we hope). Their vocabulary grows. But they just don’t seem to grow out of that whininess (and yes, I know that is not a word. Maybe it will be the 2025 Word of the Year!).

This morning in my daily Bible reading I read the following verses. I share them with you because I do believe that our attitude plays a lot into the way we see our day and others. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:8-10). Then from Proverbs 15 I read the following verses: “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (v. 2). “A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” (v.13). And one more: “Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.” (v.16)

We all have a choice. We  can allow our circumstances to dictate our attitude, or we will allow our attitude to dictate how we see our circumstances. The latter makes more sense for the one who is a follower of Christ because we know the ONE who controls everything!  Make a positive difference today with your attitude. Pull people up not drag them down. You’ll be glad you did and your friends and colleagues will thank you. 

January 14

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025

I want to piggyback on yesterday’s devotion a bit. You can read that here.

I summarized the early part of Joseph’s life in that post. As I read today, I made a few more observations that I had missed in previous readings. I’d like to share them with you today.

First, it is often tiring waiting. I hate waiting in lines at a store where there are multiple check out lines but only one or two cashiers working.  And invariably I get in the line of the cashier who is as slow as molasses. But, that is a fact of life and there is really nothing I can do about it. I noticed something in Joseph’s life as I read. I brought up in yesterday’s post about Joseph interpreting the dreams of the king’s cupbearer and baker. When the cupbearer’s life is spared and he is restored to his original position, Joseph asks him to remember him. Genesis 40:23 tells the story: “Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.”  Well…so much for “remember me.” 

But as I continued reading this morning the first 4 words of 41:1 stood out to me: “Two full years later.” See that? Two. full. years. later. Joseph languished in that prison for two more years! Granted, he may not have had it as bad as some since he was given the “head” of the prison, but still! Two years later Pharaoh has two dreams that his magicians and wise men could not interpret. Suddenly, the cupbearer remembers Joseph and I like what he says: “Today I have been reminded of my failure.” Ya think?  Long story short he tells Pharaoh about Joseph so Pharaoh calls for Joseph. He cleans up (tells you a little bit about the prison conditions) and stands before Pharaoh.

Here is where the second lesson comes in. Pharaoh tells Joseph he had dreams and no one is able to interpret them, but that he has heard Joseph could. And don’t miss this! “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you want it means and set you at ease.” (41:16) Talk about giving credit where credit is due!! Joseph could have easily hid where his wisdom comes from or he could have just said, “Tell me and I will tell you.” NO. He makes sure God is given the credit for the ability to interpret the dreams.

So Joseph tells him what the dreams mean and also gives a plan for the dilemma they bring up.  (I would encourage you to read Genesis 41 for the whole story). Joseph is elevated to second in command with only Pharaoh having more prominence and power than him. And Joseph implements his plan for preparing and ultimately saving Egypt and surrounding areas from the famine.

Imagine if Joseph had pouted and complained and harbored hatred toward that cupbearer. Just think how miserable his life would have been. Just remember: we may not like waiting, but there is a purpose, even when we can’t see it.

January 13

Monday, January 13th, 2025

If there was ever an example in the Bible that would and should blow apart that whole idea that God wants you health and wealthy and if you do good only good things will happen, it is the life of Joseph. For those who may not know perhaps a short recap is in order:

  • “Favored son status”- His father, Jacob, loved Rachel. After years of infertility she was able to give birth to Joseph.
  • Jacob showed his favoritism toward Joseph by giving him a coat of many colors, which became a sore spot for his brothers.
  • Jacob seemed to have used Joseph to “tattle” on his brothers.
  • Joseph was a dreamer and he didn’t keep those dreams to himself. Oh no. When he had a dream about the sheaves of wheat bowing down to him, he infuriated his brothers. When he had a dream about the sun and moon (including his father) bowing down to him, he drove the dagger deeper.
  • Sold into slavery.
  • Chosen by Potiphar to be his servant and he was so successful Potiphar soon promoted him to the steward of his household. He was in charge of everything…
  • …Except Potiphar’s wife. She didn’t care and decided Joseph was too good looking to pass up. But Joseph maintained his integrity even in the midst of powerful temptation.
  • Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife of attempted rape, he would wind up in prison (where he would soon impress the head of the prison who put him in charge).
  • Joseph interprets two dreams and they both come true but the chief’s cupbearer, even though restored to his former position as Joseph predicted, forgot Joseph existed. More time languishing in prison.

Joseph’s life was neither easy nor comfortable. In fact, we might yell out “it is unfair!” because here was a man who maintained his integrity and fear (reverence) for God, but suffered injustice, false accusations, and being forgotten. So much for God’s people enjoying favored status and all the creature comforts.

God’s people today are never promised ease, comfort and smooth sailing. What we are promised is the presence of a faithful God who doesn’t forget us. In case you don’t know, Joseph is eventually vindicated when Pharaoh has a dream and no one can interpret it. The cupbearer remembers Joseph, recommends him and when he not only interprets the dream but gives a solution to it, he is promoted to second in command only to Pharaoh. Will everything always turn out like that for the Christ-follower? We are not promised that. We are promised God’s love and presence-past, present and future. Joseph’s hardships were not the end of his story. Nor are ours. Trust Him to work out all things for your good.

January7

Tuesday, January 7th, 2025

In his book, The Motive, Patrick Lencioni gives a great illustration to show the difference between a reward-centered leader and a relationship-centered leader.

He writes, “Imagine young men being drafted into the NFL. When some players get chosen by a team, they feel primarily a great sense of relief and accomplishment. ‘I’ve finally made it. After years of hard work, I’m being rewarded and recognized. My life is about to become more enjoyable, and I don’t have to worry about money. I can’t wait to celebrate, find a house, buy a car,…'”

“Other players, though grateful for and gratified by their accomplishment, immediately feel the weight of proving their worth to the team that drafted them. ‘I can’t wait to get my new playbook and start preparing for the season. I don’t want my coaches and teammates to look back on this next year and regret choosing me. I need to find a place to live as soon as possible and get to work improving on…”

There is a fundamental difference between these two players, one that will almost always have a greater impact on their eventual success than their talents and skills. Simply stated, players who are responsibility-centered almost always exceed expectations. Players who are reward-centered almost always fail to live up to theirs.” (quoted verbatim from Page 136)

Since I am a pastor I thought about that in my realm of the world. There will always be those pastors who think they deserve recognition. They seek entitlement. They seek rewards. They lead a church because it gives them honor, prestige, a name, and recognition. They are invited to conferences to speak about their success. They have articles written about “their” church and its size or success or its physical building.

On the other hand, there are those who work hard, not seeking fame or fortune. They work for the glory of HIS name not their own. They don’t care if they are never invited to speak at a conference of their peers. Their labor of love is focused on the church they serve, no matter how small or how big.

IMHO it is the latter I want to emulate. This April I will celebrate my 50th year of ordination. In those 50 years I have never been asked to speak at a conference. I have never had my name in lights. I have never served a big congregation. That used to bug me…tremendously. But not any more. In fact, I now see why I never experienced those things. I COULD NOT HAVE HANDLED IT! The church I serve now-I started my 20th year in November-is the one I love. I want to be nowhere else (except when visiting my grandson or on vacation). Speak nowhere else. Serve nowhere else (except when we have 15-18″ of snow and temps in the 20s). 🙂 

I did not intend on this post becoming about me and my love for the church I pastor, but sometimes you just can’t help it. Ya know? So let me finish with a question: what kind of leader are you or do you look for?

December 17

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024

With the coming of Christmas on the horizon talk begins about the humble beginnings of Jesus in a manger.  That humble beginning started a “trend” that we see throughout the course of Jesus’ earthly ministry. His was a ministry of humility, of caring, of sympathizing and empathizing with others. The only ones He had trouble with were those who didn’t think they had a problem-the religious leaders. They were, after all, the elite. Or so they thought. Jesus was constantly bringing them down to earth, down to reality, and He refused to be impressed or intimidated by their so-called credentials or status among the people. He saw through their duplicity and hypocrisy and called them on it.

Take the life of Jesus as a perfect example. He was unlike any earthly king. He did not invade the earth to impress anyone or to set up an earthly kingdom. No matter that the common folk expected Him to do that. Some suggest Judas betrayed Jesus to “call His bluff” about being king and when it went south, he turned in the silver and took his own life. That’s one of those unanswered questions that will stay unanswered. Jesus once gave His perspective on the whole thing. He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45)  Consider also His death. His death displayed the ultimate humility that characterized His whole life.

Being a servant is not on many people’s radar. Whether we talk about politicians, school administrators, CEOs, a church leader, a pastor, an athlete, or someone you work with every day, being humble, sacrificial and a servant is missing. In the church, we have false apostles and hirelings who are always looking to make a name for themselves. They make themselves the central focus of every story. They paint themselves as the hero who rides in on a white horse, instead of admitting their lack of discipline and/or having the answers. Their preaching is little more than glorified displays of their own egos. They erect monuments to themselves (while all the while publicly saying it is all about God). Somehow I just cannot see Jesus living in a multi-million dollar home and being in debt up to the yazoo because He had to have a church building that was nothing more than a glorified temple to Himself.

The Apostle Paul hit the bullseye when he said, “May I never boast except in the cross of Christ.” (Gal. 6:14)  Those are wise words we would do well to emulate. Jesus set the example for us. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, not build monuments that will soon turn to dust.  In reality though, you don’t have to be a rich anything, or live in a mansion to have the attitude of being better than others. Let’s begin following the example Jesus set for us: humility and sacrifice for others.

December 12

Thursday, December 12th, 2024

“For whom do you live?” is a good question to ask myself and for others to ponder as well.

It is typical, especially in the culture wars of today, to say, “I live for myself.” We can see it in phrases like “My body; my choice.” It is, after all, all about me.  And tragically, it is finding more and more footing with Christ-followers than we might think. We seem to be on a road to self-actualization. I will call it rationalization. It is too hard living my/our life for someone else so let’s crawl back into our hole and live for self.

For those outside of Christ, that philosophy can be understood. They don’t have a higher calling. They don’t have the Creator of the universe, the sovereign God who made all, rules all, and controls all as the “check” in their lives. But for we who call ourselves Christ-followers, there comes a point where we must choose. And frankly, that choice is a tough one. It involves making a radical decision to humbly lay aside our wants and desires and lay it all at His feet and say, “Here I am Lord. I lay my desires, my plans, my dreams, my future at your feet and surrender them all to You.”

What it comes down to is the opening question I presented: “For whom do I live?” You see, we were not made to bring glory to ourselves. We were made to bring glory to the Father. In the OT story of the children of Israel at the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses was in mountains getting the Law from God. They became impatient and wanted a “god.” So Aaron took the gold they left Egypt with and fashioned a golden calf. When Moses saw it he was enraged. So enraged, he busted the tablets which had just been made. Ironically, one of the first statements on those tablets said, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Moses was livid; God was even more so. They had taken the glory intended for God alone and given it to a mass of formed gold. I’m still trying to figure out Aaron’s thinking when he said, “Don’t get upset my lord (talking to Moses)…When they brought it to me, I simply threw it into the fire and out came this calf!” (Exodus 32:22-24) Aaaah yeah. Simply put: the people of Israel decided that God’s glory was not enough. They wanted a fake.

Am I much different though? How often have I been so stuck on myself that I have laid aside the glory only God should get for that which is given to me? I take credit for something I have no business taking credit for.  I must remember that I am only a creature; He is the Creator. He won’t settle for second place. So let me ask again: “For whom do you live?”

December 10

Tuesday, December 10th, 2024

“Arrogance.” “Pure arrogance.”

Those were the words I used to my wife after I heard about the capture of the alleged shooter of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. After she heard the news she said, “I wonder how he got caught?” When they announced it I commented to her that he will have gotten caught because of his own arrogance. Let me explain.

Arrogance comes in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are blatant, like someone who let’s you know “he’s special.” There are some who delight in puffing themselves up before others, either by their attitude or words. One can almost see them walking around with his/her nose in the air.  Some people have a sense of entitlement, like whatever they say or do deserves mention. I can think of certain Hollywood players who have that attitude. For example, they want to pontificate on an election as though they know it all, even threatening to leave the country if so-and-so wins. All I can say is “Bye. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

Then there are those like this alleged killer. Smart, maybe too smart for his own good.  Smarter than the average bear (at least in his own mind). Who knows what motivated this alleged killer. Maybe it will come out in the end. He had things planned out. A ghost gun. Silencer. A mask. What he didn’t plan, and this is what is sad, is what I was referring to when I made my comment to Jo.  The audacity and arrogance to think he is smarter than everyone else and no one will really notice him in public. But someone did recognize him and now he is in custody.

The Bible is very, very clear about the danger of arrogance. “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” (I Cor. 10:12)  Another translation puts it this way: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (ESV)  The truth of it all is that everyone has an Achilles heel. Everyone of us has a weakness that can bring us down. Think Titanic.   Let me add a few more verses. “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Pr. 11:2). “The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished…Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” (Pr. 16:5, 11) One last one: “Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.”  (Pr. 29:23). By the way, take a look at that verse. What a difference a few letters make!

What was behind the alleged killer’s motive, who knows? What I do know is this: pride and arrogance brought his downfall. Truthfully, we must all guard against that danger. 

{Unless noted all verses are NLT}

December 5

Thursday, December 5th, 2024

Years ago I bought a book by the late Francis Schaeffer entitled No Little People. It was a collection of 16 of his sermons. My favorite was No Little People, No Little Places. The gist of that sermon can easily be seen by the title. No one or no place the follower of Christ is should ever be seen as too small or too insignificant.

In his December 3rd devotion from Everyday Gospel Christmas Devotion, author Paul David Tripp wrote, “God calls us to represent Him in this fallen world not because we are able but because He is.” When Moses found himself before the burning bush in Exodus 3-4, he was filled with excuses on how God made a mistake calling him to face the Egyptians and to free His people in Egypt.

Moses does what many of us do. God calls us or leads us to do something and we pull out the “Excuses-to-use” book. “I’m insignificant.” “I can’t talk.” “They won’t believe me.” “Send someone else.” Excuse after excuse. Comparison. Feeling inadequate. All in an attempt to avoid heeding God’s call. 

Over the years I’ve learned something important. God doesn’t call people because they are multi-talented; can woo the socks off people; are a good fund-raiser; have an outgoing personality; or any other welcome trait that we put a premium on. No, God actually uses people who are not full of themselves. He’s not looking for those who think they are God’s gift to the human race. He is looking for people who are willing to be used. Those who realize they are nothing and can do nothing without Him.

He’s looking for people who are humble and small and willing to follow and trust Him. Hmmm. Seems to me like the precedent was set over 2000 years ago by a baby in a manger.