Daily Devotional for July 1, 2015

Proverbs 18:12
Pride ends in destruction; humility ends in honor.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I was working a little jigsaw puzzle with Nathan and Zola, and they were having trouble putting the pieces together. Four-year-old Zola was more patient.  She would even accept my suggestions about how to turn a puzzle piece…or the gentle reminder that “I don’t think that piece fits there.”  Nathan, who is not quite three, threw up his hands and walked away.  This was actually Nathan’s puzzle…a picture of one of his favorite characters – Spiderman!  He missed out on most of the fun of watching this superhero come together as we worked in tandem to finish the puzzle.

Frequently, children get frustrated as they try to figure out how to manipulate their toys or games.  And when an adult offers to help, they often protest…”I can do it myself!  I don’t need any help.”  Generally, the child ends up coming to the adult at some point and asking, “Can you help me?” or “Will you fix this?”

Man!  Are we ever like these little kids sometimes!  It’s “our way or the highway!”  We know what we are doing…and our opinion is the only one that counts – until we discover that there was more to the story - or that another point of view actually does make more sense.  Or we decide that we can NOT handle whatever issue/challenge is before us…and the person who so gently and kindly offered to help might actually want to assist and have no “hidden agenda.” Rather than suspect an ulterior motive, maybe we should humbly accept their offer!

Some of us will remain steadfast and stubborn…and “let the chips fall where they may” – which is often nothing short of a train wreck.  Others figure out that a little “humble pie” is a good thing from time to time…and maybe we are not always right.  It might just be possible that we don’t have all of the answers – or know how to do everything under the sun.

I don’t know where you fall on this spectrum…but I do know Someone who can help you figure this out…and His name is Jesus.  Call on Him today, and ask Him to show you where your pride has gotten in the way. Ask Jesus to help you see where you have a hardened and stubborn heart…and where you could use a little assistance from a friend or loved one.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help from anyone – especially Jesus.  It’s time to end the wallowing in pride, destruction and self-service.  Make this the day that you humble yourself and start to really enjoy all of God’s blessings.  Will you have a dollop of ice cream with that slice of “pie?”


©2015 Debbie Robus

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