Putting Pride Behind

Our teaching this Sunday was on how "pride sets up" (that is, it sets you up for a fall) and that "God lifts up". Choosing what God offers is the best thing. When we humble ourselves in front of him, choosing to reject sin and prideful attitudes towards others --

- and then our lives show it, in our loving actions and sincere worship -

then God's honor, God's FAVOR is sure to follow.

It may not be what we expect. It probably won't. We may not see it until we die and meet the Lord.

But there is NO SUBSTITUTE for his favor.

On Sunday, I mentioned a devotional by Elizabeth Marks. Here's a link to it: http://thinkonitdevotions.wordpress.com/2007/04/02/never-underestimate-pride/

At the end of her devotional she cites Saddleback Church's notes from a few Sundays ago - action points on getting rid of pride:

Admit our sins honestly. (Proverbs 28:13)
Evaluate our strengths realistically. (Romans 12:3, Galatians 6:4)
Enjoy our success gratefully. (1 Corinthians 4:7)
Serve others unselfishly. (Philippians 2:3-5)
Depend on Jesus continually. (Psalm 10:4, Proverbs 22: 4)

I wish I had mentioned SERVING on Sunday. To serve others unselfishly is the humble lifestyle of a follower of Jesus. Do you serve others - without thinking of yourself?

Jesus said, in Mark 10: "The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many."

If you're a Christian, you have already experienced the sadness when you realize how much selfishness you had, and you felt small. But right after, you realized that Jesus lifted you up. Now, as a child of God and friend of Jesus, you felt more special than ever - that you were special because God created you and loves you. It's still true! That grace, that favor is available to those who humble themselves in front of the Creator, our Loving Father.

Lord, humble us and keep us humble, so we can feel your smile and serve others with joy!