The other day, God bopped me on the head. After I’d completed my first official blog I went on a walk. I was all comfy, wearing my “Flashdance” sweatshirt (even though I’ve never actually seen that movie!), and my sweat shorts. I’ll admit, I was pretty proud of myself. I felt like I’d actually accomplished something. And, I was already starting to brainstorm my next post. On a whim, I pulled out my cellphone and took a “selfie.” I see people’s portraits of themselves all the time on facebook, and I hardly ever do one of myself–although I love to do them with my daughter. I had fun. I had some goofy expressions, as you’ll see below, but overall I didn’t look like a total cow, so I considered it a success. As I walked, I continued brainstorming. I took some other pictures (that I’ll probably put in another post), I visited with my dogs, and I prayed. That’s when I realized it: I was taking a picture of myself, to perhaps post on my blog… and this is a blog about whom exactly? It’s not supposed to be about me.
Isn’t it funny how sin sneaks up on us. One of the sins I battle the most is pride. It’s partly because of the country I’ve been raised in. Don’t get me wrong; I love the USA, but what are we all about? Pride. We take pride in our work, pride in our schools, pride in who we are. We are proud. Part of my battle has been in trying to “do things right,” and to “take pride in my work.” These are not bad things–really. But, they are dangerous if we get too caught up in them–like I have done many times in my life. And, this realization got me to reliving the times in my life where God took me down a notch or two. He’s had to do that, and as ashamed as I am to admit it, He always gave me fair warning before hand. He always said, “Megan, this isn’t about you, it’s about Me.” But, I didn’t listen. I let my feelings, my desires, my sense of fair play guide my thoughts and actions. I took my eyes off Him, and focused on Me. That is always a recipe for disaster.
So, since I took my “selfie,” I’ve been pondering what it would be like if–instead of focusing on my feelings, wants, desires, etc.– I focused only on God’s. What would that do? Would I still take pride in my work? Yes, I’d be doing it unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). My pride would be refocused. I would be “proud” of God–not of myself.
I’ve seen pride tear friends apart. I’ve seen it create rifts in churches. I’ve seen it create destruction in marriages. Misplaced pride will always lead to defeat. What’s the old saying? “Pride comes before the fall.” That’s scripture you know. It’s found in Proverbs 16:18. God knows what He’s talking about.
What else does the bible say about pride? Here are some more from King Solomon in Proverbs:
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
“By insolence [Pride] comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10
“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.” Proverbs 29:23
So, pride doesn’t get us anywhere we want to go. It’s mind-blowing if you really think about it. What we are constantly fed by society is that we should be proud of ourselves. We live in an entitled world. That entitlement comes from pride. We think we deserve (fill in the blank) because we’ve earned it. One of my old pastors said something that has stuck with me my whole life. He said, “The only thing we’re entitled to is to spend eternity in hell. Everything else is a blessing from God.”
What would happen if we really started to live for God? That’s what the apostle Paul was talking about when he wrote his letter to the Philippians 3:4-9:
“…If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith inChrist—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
By the earthly standards in Paul’s time, he had arrived. He had done all that was required of him and more. He was zealous about his religion, and took great pride in punishing those who followed Christ instead of the Pharisaical rule. He was respected. He was praised. He had a lot to be proud of. But, after God got his attention and he realized what it was that he was actually called to do, Paul threw it all away to follow Christ. None of the worldly standards mattered to him anymore. Wow. Talk about a powerful faith. Paul also gave credit to where it is truly due. To Christ. All is lost, but Christ is gain. Powerful.
Consider what that would look like. Matthew West wrote a song called, “My Own Little World.” It’s a favorite of mine. My favorite line is, “Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours. Give me open hands and open doors.
Put Your light in my eyes and let me see. That my own little world is not about me.”
Lord, give me the strength to live like that. Remind me that my world is about You, and not me. Help me to see that my pride is but rubbish compared to Your glory. And feel free to bop me on the head when I forget.
Here is a goofy “selfie” Enjoy! 
I’ve created a facebook page where I’m posting my blog and enriching information. Please go and like the page. I hope it blesses you. https://www.facebook.com/stayingalert
Staying Alert in Christ,
Megan
Staying Alert 