Mark 7:24-30
Then he left Galilee and went to the
region of Tyre and Sidon, and tried to keep it a secret that he was
there, but couldn’t. For as usual the news of his arrival spread fast.
Right
away a woman came to him whose little girl was possessed by a demon.
She had heard about Jesus and now she came and fell at his feet, and
pled with him to release her child from the demon’s control. (But she
was Syrophoenician—a “despised Gentile”!)
Jesus told her, “First I
should help my own family—the Jews. It isn’t right to take the
children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”
She replied, “That’s true, sir, but even the puppies under the table are given some scraps from the children’s plates.”
“Good!” he said. “You have answered well—so well that I have healed your little girl. Go on home, for the demon has left her!”
And when she arrived home, her little girl was lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
At the end of a reality TV
program I watch called “Project Runway,” the host says, “One day you’re
in – the next day you’re out.” Let’s be honest…this is probably how we
sometimes feel about ourselves…and/or how we treat others – and neither
is acceptable.
Jesus demonstrated that there is no need to
apologize for who we are if we genuinely trust that He is our LORD and
Savior. There is no reason to assume that we have to wait in line behind
those who are “more” in some manner to receive OUR salvation – or God’s
blessings. Jesus also tells us not to treat others in this manner. We
are in no way more important than another person – no matter who he/she
is - or what he/she may have done. ALL who believe and demonstrate faith in Jesus – and surrender to Him – are welcome, and qualify for Salvation. ANYONE who believes in Jesus can be saved…and blessed.
I cannot emphasize enough how critical it is that we recognize not only our
value in Jesus’ eyes…and but the fact that none of us is better than
another to Him. “Country Club Christianity” runs somewhat rampant these
days… and it needs to come to a screeching halt. The concept of “us
vs. them” must disappear from our vocabulary – and our thought process.
We need to look at every person we meet as a potential child of God -
not a dog underneath the table waiting for scraps – even when they act
like that’s where they belong.
Aren’t you tired of “Christians”
judging others? I know I am! If you have ever for one minute felt like
you were an “outsider” – for ANY reason, you know how horrible it
feels. I am so grateful that Jesus does not recognize us in this
way…that in His arms, we are ALL are welcome. Jesus is simply waiting
for us to show Him that we accept His offer to sit at the table rather
than glean scraps from the floor. Jesus is waiting for us to
demonstrate to others that they are loved and accepted…that we know that
He wants to share His table with them, as well…and so do we.
In
the world of a reality TV fashion design contest, you may be in one day
and out the next. But this is not the case with Jesus. The question
you must settle is where your level of faith and Christian discipleship
has positioned you – seated at the table, or on the floor underneath it
waiting for scraps. Make this the day that you hear Jesus say, “Sit
with me, and fill your plate.” And make sure that those you encounter
know that they are welcome to join you.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label arrogance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arrogance. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 19, 2016
John 8:6-8
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever been around two little kids who were arguing, and rather than get in the middle of things and settle the conflict, you stood back to see what they could do? There are several reasons to try this (if you can stand it!)…1) the children are allowed to grow and work through their issue; 2) the adult demonstrates how petty and insignificant the “fuss” is; and 3) the adult withholds attention and choosing sides, which is often what the kids are after in the first place.
Here’s how I believe this applies to this scripture passage from John 8...
Additionally, are we busy pleasing Jesus – and serving Him? Or are we more concerned with making ourselves look big and important… or with making sure that everyone knows how good we are, how much we give and do for others, and how pleased God must be with us? Are we busy trying to get Jesus to pick favorites? Because I can assure you that this is a huge waste of time for everyone!
This is a good day to humble ourselves before God and admit that we are nowhere near worthy to “cast the first stone.” We will always be loved unconditionally and incredibly by Jesus…but He will never have a favorite. And we just as well figure that out now and get busy serving out of gratitude rather than any effort to gain extra “points.” We need to quit wasting our time on pettiness and discrimination. We need to stop trying to figure out who is right and wrong and concentrate on sharing the Good News of Jesus and how much He loves each and every one of us…the good, the bad, and the ugly!
We need to stop making excuses, passing judgments, and disparaging/condemning others…and take a long, hard look in the mirror. And we don’t have a minute to waste. Are you ready to drop your rock and fall on your knees in the dirt beside Jesus? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever been around two little kids who were arguing, and rather than get in the middle of things and settle the conflict, you stood back to see what they could do? There are several reasons to try this (if you can stand it!)…1) the children are allowed to grow and work through their issue; 2) the adult demonstrates how petty and insignificant the “fuss” is; and 3) the adult withholds attention and choosing sides, which is often what the kids are after in the first place.
Here’s how I believe this applies to this scripture passage from John 8...
- Jesus was drawing in the dirt and listening to the religious scholars and Pharisees argue about stoning a woman caught in adultery. By their own behavior, they were acting in an unloving manner. Jesus made no discrepancy among people…He spent time with everyone from religious leaders to murderers, adulterers, lepers and other “undesirables.” He never played favorites or talked down to anyone. By drawing in the dirt, Jesus was essentially saying, “Work it out amongst yourselves.”
- Jesus was also demonstrating how insignificant this argument was to Him…so unimportant that He didn’t even look up from doodling in the sand to give much of a response.
- Jesus did not choose sides. More importantly, He put the problem smack in the laps of those involved and challenged the one who was guiltless to cast the first stone.
Additionally, are we busy pleasing Jesus – and serving Him? Or are we more concerned with making ourselves look big and important… or with making sure that everyone knows how good we are, how much we give and do for others, and how pleased God must be with us? Are we busy trying to get Jesus to pick favorites? Because I can assure you that this is a huge waste of time for everyone!
This is a good day to humble ourselves before God and admit that we are nowhere near worthy to “cast the first stone.” We will always be loved unconditionally and incredibly by Jesus…but He will never have a favorite. And we just as well figure that out now and get busy serving out of gratitude rather than any effort to gain extra “points.” We need to quit wasting our time on pettiness and discrimination. We need to stop trying to figure out who is right and wrong and concentrate on sharing the Good News of Jesus and how much He loves each and every one of us…the good, the bad, and the ugly!
We need to stop making excuses, passing judgments, and disparaging/condemning others…and take a long, hard look in the mirror. And we don’t have a minute to waste. Are you ready to drop your rock and fall on your knees in the dirt beside Jesus? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 5, 2014
1 Timothy 1:12-14
I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We have a running joke in our family about our niece and nephew – both grown now with children of their own – and their “competitive” card playing some twenty-plus years ago. One would claim the other cheated, and the “winner” would gloat like there was no tomorrow. There was no grace or mercy in their games of “Old Maid”…it was every person for himself/herself, and the “winner” bragged unapologetically!
As you might imagine, there were quite a few hurt feelings as a result of these exchanges…and each gained a “reputation” as a “cheater” – or at least a “bad sport”. But as the kids grew and matured, they learned to “forgive and forget” (although an occasional tongue-in-cheek jab still appears from time to time on Facebook!)…and the two of them have mutual love and respect for each other today. They realize that these were the behaviors of somewhat-innocent children who really didn’t know better or fully understand the long-term ramifications of breaking the rules - even in a child’s game of “Old Maid”.
We are like these children…eager to have our own way – and perhaps willing to say or do things we shouldn’t in order to get it. At least, this would have described many of us before we had a personal encounter with Jesus. And perhaps even today, some of us who claim to know Him continue to be critical…insulting…and arrogant. We ridicule others and gloat about everything from “our” team’s latest win to our personal possessions and accomplishments. And we fail to remember that Jesus told us in Matthew 25:40 that…" When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!” (Living Bible)
Today, I am humbled and grateful for Jesus’s “grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me.” I am thankful that He offers me mercy and forgives my sins. I want to honor the trust that Jesus has placed in me to “minister” to others in His name by acting with integrity and respect – for Him and for others. I want to conduct myself in a way that reflects His grace and mercy over me...and to share Him in this same manner with those whom I encounter.
Often, our immediate “gut-reaction” to outside comments and actions is to retaliate…to yell, “He/she cheated!” But Jesus has demonstrated compassion and tolerance…and if we want to be like Him, we must pay this forward.
Let’s start today with a prayer of gratitude for the grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance that Jesus offers each of us. And then let’s make a concerted effort to honor Him by sharing these things with everyone we meet…even those who insult or disrespect us or show us no mercy in return. It won’t always be easy, but that will make it even more honorable and tender to Jesus. Isn’t He worth the effort? How grateful are you for what He has done in your life…and just how far are you willing to go to show it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We have a running joke in our family about our niece and nephew – both grown now with children of their own – and their “competitive” card playing some twenty-plus years ago. One would claim the other cheated, and the “winner” would gloat like there was no tomorrow. There was no grace or mercy in their games of “Old Maid”…it was every person for himself/herself, and the “winner” bragged unapologetically!
As you might imagine, there were quite a few hurt feelings as a result of these exchanges…and each gained a “reputation” as a “cheater” – or at least a “bad sport”. But as the kids grew and matured, they learned to “forgive and forget” (although an occasional tongue-in-cheek jab still appears from time to time on Facebook!)…and the two of them have mutual love and respect for each other today. They realize that these were the behaviors of somewhat-innocent children who really didn’t know better or fully understand the long-term ramifications of breaking the rules - even in a child’s game of “Old Maid”.
We are like these children…eager to have our own way – and perhaps willing to say or do things we shouldn’t in order to get it. At least, this would have described many of us before we had a personal encounter with Jesus. And perhaps even today, some of us who claim to know Him continue to be critical…insulting…and arrogant. We ridicule others and gloat about everything from “our” team’s latest win to our personal possessions and accomplishments. And we fail to remember that Jesus told us in Matthew 25:40 that…" When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!” (Living Bible)
Today, I am humbled and grateful for Jesus’s “grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me.” I am thankful that He offers me mercy and forgives my sins. I want to honor the trust that Jesus has placed in me to “minister” to others in His name by acting with integrity and respect – for Him and for others. I want to conduct myself in a way that reflects His grace and mercy over me...and to share Him in this same manner with those whom I encounter.
Often, our immediate “gut-reaction” to outside comments and actions is to retaliate…to yell, “He/she cheated!” But Jesus has demonstrated compassion and tolerance…and if we want to be like Him, we must pay this forward.
Let’s start today with a prayer of gratitude for the grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance that Jesus offers each of us. And then let’s make a concerted effort to honor Him by sharing these things with everyone we meet…even those who insult or disrespect us or show us no mercy in return. It won’t always be easy, but that will make it even more honorable and tender to Jesus. Isn’t He worth the effort? How grateful are you for what He has done in your life…and just how far are you willing to go to show it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 28, 2013
Matthew 7:1-5
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I were watching a sitcom recently in which a couple was getting ready for a party. One partner was criticizing the other… or rather, gently pointing out faults and puffing himself up… and the other was sick and tired of it. So he let his partner know that he was done with the “suggestions.” When he turned around to get something out of a dresser drawer, he had a pair of underwear hanging out of the waistband of his pants. The other guy thought about saying something… but then he remembered how he had just been chastised. He said nothing, and this guy ended up at the party… his extra pair of underwear hanging from his waistband for everyone to see.
This may be a goofy analogy… but hang with me here. First, we don’t know what is truly in another person’s heart …or his/her life. A few months ago, a friend’s pastor called and asked me to sub for her as pianist at a church in a nearby community. My friend was having some medical treatments and needed a little time off. I so wanted to help her… but at the same time, I was terribly busy with my own family, and felt I could not commit to this. I think the pastor called three times… and then my friend called. I explained to her that I plan “in pencil” these days, because we never know when we will be called upon to help with my grandmother or my niece’s family, which includes three babies. And sure enough, "life happened," and I would not have been able to sub for this friend.
I know women who seem to be superhuman… serving on half a dozen committees in their church and community while holding down a fulltime job and managing the care of more than one child and a husband. I used to do a lot more when I was in my twenties and thirties than I can accomplish now in my fifties. But at the same time… I am more cognizant of doing a better job on fewer tasks than trying to spread myself too thinly. AND… what I choose to do is really my business. But we all like to judge… to look at the other guy and say, “He/she could have said that so much better,” or “He/she could be doing a lot more…” or “He/she must not care about XYZ.” And all the while, our underwear is hanging out of our waistband.
We must be careful to consider our judgments of others… to ask ourselves, “What are my own shortcomings?” and to use this moment to rein in our own critical attitudes. At the same time, we cannot totally discount what others say to us… or about us. Use these moments to assess where you are in life... to serve as a checkpoint to determine if you truly are on course and operating in God’s will. If the answer is “Yes,” you can proceed with peace and assurance. If, however, you discover that someone was trying to tell you that your underwear is hanging out of your waistband, it might be time to wash the smudges of arrogance from your face and pay attention!
The bottom line is that we need to be more careful about what we say and do… more willing to give the other guy the benefit of the doubt… more forgiving. We need to offer more grace and mercy to others, because we probably need hefty doses for ourselves! We need to ask God for strength and wisdom… and the presence of His hand over our mouth more often than we care to admit! Otherwise, we’re liable to walk out the door with our underwear hanging out of our waistband… and nobody to blame but ourselves.
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I were watching a sitcom recently in which a couple was getting ready for a party. One partner was criticizing the other… or rather, gently pointing out faults and puffing himself up… and the other was sick and tired of it. So he let his partner know that he was done with the “suggestions.” When he turned around to get something out of a dresser drawer, he had a pair of underwear hanging out of the waistband of his pants. The other guy thought about saying something… but then he remembered how he had just been chastised. He said nothing, and this guy ended up at the party… his extra pair of underwear hanging from his waistband for everyone to see.
This may be a goofy analogy… but hang with me here. First, we don’t know what is truly in another person’s heart …or his/her life. A few months ago, a friend’s pastor called and asked me to sub for her as pianist at a church in a nearby community. My friend was having some medical treatments and needed a little time off. I so wanted to help her… but at the same time, I was terribly busy with my own family, and felt I could not commit to this. I think the pastor called three times… and then my friend called. I explained to her that I plan “in pencil” these days, because we never know when we will be called upon to help with my grandmother or my niece’s family, which includes three babies. And sure enough, "life happened," and I would not have been able to sub for this friend.
I know women who seem to be superhuman… serving on half a dozen committees in their church and community while holding down a fulltime job and managing the care of more than one child and a husband. I used to do a lot more when I was in my twenties and thirties than I can accomplish now in my fifties. But at the same time… I am more cognizant of doing a better job on fewer tasks than trying to spread myself too thinly. AND… what I choose to do is really my business. But we all like to judge… to look at the other guy and say, “He/she could have said that so much better,” or “He/she could be doing a lot more…” or “He/she must not care about XYZ.” And all the while, our underwear is hanging out of our waistband.
We must be careful to consider our judgments of others… to ask ourselves, “What are my own shortcomings?” and to use this moment to rein in our own critical attitudes. At the same time, we cannot totally discount what others say to us… or about us. Use these moments to assess where you are in life... to serve as a checkpoint to determine if you truly are on course and operating in God’s will. If the answer is “Yes,” you can proceed with peace and assurance. If, however, you discover that someone was trying to tell you that your underwear is hanging out of your waistband, it might be time to wash the smudges of arrogance from your face and pay attention!
The bottom line is that we need to be more careful about what we say and do… more willing to give the other guy the benefit of the doubt… more forgiving. We need to offer more grace and mercy to others, because we probably need hefty doses for ourselves! We need to ask God for strength and wisdom… and the presence of His hand over our mouth more often than we care to admit! Otherwise, we’re liable to walk out the door with our underwear hanging out of our waistband… and nobody to blame but ourselves.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 15, 2012
James 4:16-17
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 10, 2012
James 3:13-16
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of our niece’s high school classmates is a pediatrician at a hospital in Little Rock, where she also teaches at a university hospital. She is also a newlywed whose husband was diagnosed this summer with a very serious form of brain cancer – a highly aggressive malignancy known as glioblastoma. Through surgery, radiation and chemo treatments, this young woman has kept family and friends updated via a CaringBridge journal. In recent posts, she has noted that she doesn’t know how people without her knowledge and expertise navigate the unbelievable maze of medical jargon, paperwork, diagnoses, and treatment directives.
While this ordeal is incredibly heartbreaking, this woman also notes that she has become a better physician as a result of her experience. Many of us have been in a situation where medical staff threw big words, acronyms, numbers and data at us in rapid-fire succession – assuming we understood what they were telling us… while we wondered, “What in the world does this all mean?” – or our mind raced in a thousand other directions. Our niece’s friend writes …”I have become a more compassionate doctor for my families that turn up in the ED (Emergency Department) because they just didn't know what else to do. And while I can rarely solve their problem, I can sit and let them vent about the mess that for-profit medicine has created.”
We can’t merely point to the medical community as the only example of this, because we all act this way, to some degree. We set ourselves up on a pedestal and offer our supreme wisdom to others… often with a hefty dose of condescension or pride in our own capabilities. We lord it over others who really only needed to vent or – as this physician put it – just didn’t know what else to do. We operate in arrogance… that we are better at our job, our sport, parenting our children, being a good friend – and worst of all, being a Christian. By operating in mean-spirited ambition or superiority, we are anything but wise.
Each one of us needs to take a good look at our own life and how we act toward others. Ask yourself, “Am I operating in humility and wisdom… or arrogance and selfish ambition? Am I more concerned with how I appear and stroking my own ego… or sharing my God-given blessings with others? Do others come to me because they know I will offer humble, non-judgmental wisdom and comfort… or am I avoided because of my know-it-all attitude and hypercriticism?”
Won’t you ask God today to grant you true wisdom… and a spirit of honesty, generosity, and humility – as you interact with others? Ask God to make you a person others actually want to be around. Be the humble Christian witness who shares the love of Christ without cramming your vast Bible knowledge or “direct line” arrogance down the throats of others. Build a reputation as someone who lives well, wisely, and humbly. And while you are at it… please pray for this young woman and her husband – and their two young sons – who continue to fight “the beast,” as she describes glioblastoma.
As the adage goes…“People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” What do others know about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of our niece’s high school classmates is a pediatrician at a hospital in Little Rock, where she also teaches at a university hospital. She is also a newlywed whose husband was diagnosed this summer with a very serious form of brain cancer – a highly aggressive malignancy known as glioblastoma. Through surgery, radiation and chemo treatments, this young woman has kept family and friends updated via a CaringBridge journal. In recent posts, she has noted that she doesn’t know how people without her knowledge and expertise navigate the unbelievable maze of medical jargon, paperwork, diagnoses, and treatment directives.
While this ordeal is incredibly heartbreaking, this woman also notes that she has become a better physician as a result of her experience. Many of us have been in a situation where medical staff threw big words, acronyms, numbers and data at us in rapid-fire succession – assuming we understood what they were telling us… while we wondered, “What in the world does this all mean?” – or our mind raced in a thousand other directions. Our niece’s friend writes …”I have become a more compassionate doctor for my families that turn up in the ED (Emergency Department) because they just didn't know what else to do. And while I can rarely solve their problem, I can sit and let them vent about the mess that for-profit medicine has created.”
We can’t merely point to the medical community as the only example of this, because we all act this way, to some degree. We set ourselves up on a pedestal and offer our supreme wisdom to others… often with a hefty dose of condescension or pride in our own capabilities. We lord it over others who really only needed to vent or – as this physician put it – just didn’t know what else to do. We operate in arrogance… that we are better at our job, our sport, parenting our children, being a good friend – and worst of all, being a Christian. By operating in mean-spirited ambition or superiority, we are anything but wise.
Each one of us needs to take a good look at our own life and how we act toward others. Ask yourself, “Am I operating in humility and wisdom… or arrogance and selfish ambition? Am I more concerned with how I appear and stroking my own ego… or sharing my God-given blessings with others? Do others come to me because they know I will offer humble, non-judgmental wisdom and comfort… or am I avoided because of my know-it-all attitude and hypercriticism?”
Won’t you ask God today to grant you true wisdom… and a spirit of honesty, generosity, and humility – as you interact with others? Ask God to make you a person others actually want to be around. Be the humble Christian witness who shares the love of Christ without cramming your vast Bible knowledge or “direct line” arrogance down the throats of others. Build a reputation as someone who lives well, wisely, and humbly. And while you are at it… please pray for this young woman and her husband – and their two young sons – who continue to fight “the beast,” as she describes glioblastoma.
As the adage goes…“People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” What do others know about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 30, 2012
James 2:5-7
My dear friends, pay attention. God has given a lot of faith to the poor people in this world. He has also promised them a share in his kingdom that he will give to everyone who loves him. You mistreat the poor. But isn’t it the rich who boss you around and drag you off to court? Aren’t they the ones who make fun of your Lord?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The other day, I dressed Timothy in a really cute outfit – t-shirt, shorts and sweater vest. Soon afterward, he asked for a chocolate cookie. He ate the cookie and promptly wiped his hand on his t-shirt sleeve. We were headed out the door on a long trip, so I didn’t take time to change his shirt. That turned out to be a wise decision. We stopped at a Sonic® for lunch, and he dribbled ketchup on his sweater vest! By the time we had finished with lunch, I looked at him and thought, “My grandmother would say, ‘You look like an orphan!’” I know… this is not a nice statement… but it’s one I bet we have all used at some point… and we didn’t give it a second thought!
I was talking with a friend who is involved in foster care, and we were discussing clothing needs. She said that there is presently a great need for boys’ clothing in all sizes… but she stressed it needed to be nice clothing. I knew instantly what she meant. I remember all too well the less fortunate children who came through my kindergarten class… many of them dirty and disheveled, and most in clothing that was well-worn at best – if not downright tattered. It was one more thing for these precious little souls to deal with. The leaders of our local foster care program get this! They have vowed to make sure the children in their charge at least have decent clothing to wear… and can hopefully avoid ridicule or stereotypes based on their appearance.
Now I ask you… does God love these innocent children any less if they are dirty or unkempt? Absolutely not! Does He care more for the children whose appearance is always perfect… hair neatly trimmed, buttons and bows in place, the name-brand tags and logos clearly visible to let everyone know that someone broke the bank to pay for the outfits? No way! Yet we look at a child who appears poor and needy - or those in foster care - with pity and disdain, while we pat ourselves on the back for being such “good Christians” who support missions in our churches and give to charity.
In essence, many of us don’t really believe that God loves those we assist as much as He loves us! We pity them, toss money (and maybe a little personal attention) their way, and shake our heads. We say, “It’s too bad about So-and-so.” And if we have this attitude toward innocent little children, we are truly capable of anything!
The time has come for us to wake up and recognize that God loves each of us… equally. Many of the poor – financially, intellectually, physically and emotionally, or even spiritually – got there through little or no fault of their own. Life… and even so-called “Christians” beat them down… with ridicule, unfair judgment, and arrogance. We need to start building others up… loving unconditionally… sharing the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ with EVERYONE and representing Him 1000% via our daily living, our words, and our actions. I guarantee you, I will think twice before I ever tell another child, “You look like an orphan,” because we start with the smallest of things. The devil can use even this simple phrase to grab hold of our heart and our attitude.
Who among you is “poor” in some manner today? Who needs you to reach out and offer a smile, a kind word, or more? Where do you need an attitude adjustment about God… your relationship with Him… and who else is included in His kingdom? I don’t know if you are one of the rich… or perhaps one who is considered “poor.” But I do know that God loves you AND the other guy… and you can each have equal shares in His kingdom. How are you honoring His gifts of grace and mercy these days? Are you truly operating in Christian faith and love… or are you claiming the name of Christ while you make fun of our LORD? We need to figure it out… and get busy getting this right! Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, pay attention. God has given a lot of faith to the poor people in this world. He has also promised them a share in his kingdom that he will give to everyone who loves him. You mistreat the poor. But isn’t it the rich who boss you around and drag you off to court? Aren’t they the ones who make fun of your Lord?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The other day, I dressed Timothy in a really cute outfit – t-shirt, shorts and sweater vest. Soon afterward, he asked for a chocolate cookie. He ate the cookie and promptly wiped his hand on his t-shirt sleeve. We were headed out the door on a long trip, so I didn’t take time to change his shirt. That turned out to be a wise decision. We stopped at a Sonic® for lunch, and he dribbled ketchup on his sweater vest! By the time we had finished with lunch, I looked at him and thought, “My grandmother would say, ‘You look like an orphan!’” I know… this is not a nice statement… but it’s one I bet we have all used at some point… and we didn’t give it a second thought!
I was talking with a friend who is involved in foster care, and we were discussing clothing needs. She said that there is presently a great need for boys’ clothing in all sizes… but she stressed it needed to be nice clothing. I knew instantly what she meant. I remember all too well the less fortunate children who came through my kindergarten class… many of them dirty and disheveled, and most in clothing that was well-worn at best – if not downright tattered. It was one more thing for these precious little souls to deal with. The leaders of our local foster care program get this! They have vowed to make sure the children in their charge at least have decent clothing to wear… and can hopefully avoid ridicule or stereotypes based on their appearance.
Now I ask you… does God love these innocent children any less if they are dirty or unkempt? Absolutely not! Does He care more for the children whose appearance is always perfect… hair neatly trimmed, buttons and bows in place, the name-brand tags and logos clearly visible to let everyone know that someone broke the bank to pay for the outfits? No way! Yet we look at a child who appears poor and needy - or those in foster care - with pity and disdain, while we pat ourselves on the back for being such “good Christians” who support missions in our churches and give to charity.
In essence, many of us don’t really believe that God loves those we assist as much as He loves us! We pity them, toss money (and maybe a little personal attention) their way, and shake our heads. We say, “It’s too bad about So-and-so.” And if we have this attitude toward innocent little children, we are truly capable of anything!
The time has come for us to wake up and recognize that God loves each of us… equally. Many of the poor – financially, intellectually, physically and emotionally, or even spiritually – got there through little or no fault of their own. Life… and even so-called “Christians” beat them down… with ridicule, unfair judgment, and arrogance. We need to start building others up… loving unconditionally… sharing the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ with EVERYONE and representing Him 1000% via our daily living, our words, and our actions. I guarantee you, I will think twice before I ever tell another child, “You look like an orphan,” because we start with the smallest of things. The devil can use even this simple phrase to grab hold of our heart and our attitude.
Who among you is “poor” in some manner today? Who needs you to reach out and offer a smile, a kind word, or more? Where do you need an attitude adjustment about God… your relationship with Him… and who else is included in His kingdom? I don’t know if you are one of the rich… or perhaps one who is considered “poor.” But I do know that God loves you AND the other guy… and you can each have equal shares in His kingdom. How are you honoring His gifts of grace and mercy these days? Are you truly operating in Christian faith and love… or are you claiming the name of Christ while you make fun of our LORD? We need to figure it out… and get busy getting this right! Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 27, 2012
Matthew 7:1-5
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was in my late twenties, I got really sick and had to have some major surgery. My surgeon weighed 300 pounds if he weighed an ounce… and he was a chain smoker! Thankfully, he was a really good, well-respected surgeon, and everything turned out well. But I remember him sitting behind his desk one day, cigarette in hand, telling me, “Today’s runners are tomorrow’s arthritics.” I was running somewhere around six miles a day at the time.
While my knees tell me today that he was probably right, the words seemed a little ridiculous at the time as spoken by this man who was anything but the picture of health. And while I have not always been necessarily skinny myself, I find it hard to take medical advice from a physician who is clearly not taking care of himself/herself. Even if we know the advice to stay out of the sun, lose a few pounds, or stop eating so much red meat is sound… it’s a tough pill to swallow, when we hear it from someone who could obviously do better themselves.
To put this in perspective for us, consider telling a teenager not to smoke and drink while you are holding a cigarette in one hand and a cocktail in the other. How much stock do you think a young person would put in advice from adults to work hard and be responsible, pay their bills on time and live within a budget if those same adults are either barely getting by because of careless spending habits… or these folks won’t work and depend on handouts from others for survival?
What does it say to others when we claim to be Christians (which implies that we at least want to be like Jesus), and then we are critical of those who don’t believe as we do and treat people of other races, political leanings and/or lifestyles with open contempt and/or disgust? How can we expect God to bless us with His favor when we blatantly mistreat even one of His children or creations?
We often laugh (if only nervously) at those who are openly critical of us or others while they appear to be oblivious to the fact that they engage in many of the same behaviors or opinions. But it’s really not funny… and it displeases God. In the Contemporary English Version of this passage, Verse 1 says, “God will be as hard on you as you are on others! He will treat you exactly as you treat them.” Let this soak in for a minute. Before you start to criticize, pity, or correct another person, take a good look in the mirror. It may be that you have plenty of work to do at home without dabbling in another’s business!
Ask God to show you how and where to be more compassionate, less cynical and critical… and more patient with others. Call on Him to remove the “speck in your eye”… and to temper your desire to do the same for others. Get your own house in order, and give God room to work in your life. Let Him handle the smudges on the other guy’s face!
©2012 Debbie Robus
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was in my late twenties, I got really sick and had to have some major surgery. My surgeon weighed 300 pounds if he weighed an ounce… and he was a chain smoker! Thankfully, he was a really good, well-respected surgeon, and everything turned out well. But I remember him sitting behind his desk one day, cigarette in hand, telling me, “Today’s runners are tomorrow’s arthritics.” I was running somewhere around six miles a day at the time.
While my knees tell me today that he was probably right, the words seemed a little ridiculous at the time as spoken by this man who was anything but the picture of health. And while I have not always been necessarily skinny myself, I find it hard to take medical advice from a physician who is clearly not taking care of himself/herself. Even if we know the advice to stay out of the sun, lose a few pounds, or stop eating so much red meat is sound… it’s a tough pill to swallow, when we hear it from someone who could obviously do better themselves.
To put this in perspective for us, consider telling a teenager not to smoke and drink while you are holding a cigarette in one hand and a cocktail in the other. How much stock do you think a young person would put in advice from adults to work hard and be responsible, pay their bills on time and live within a budget if those same adults are either barely getting by because of careless spending habits… or these folks won’t work and depend on handouts from others for survival?
What does it say to others when we claim to be Christians (which implies that we at least want to be like Jesus), and then we are critical of those who don’t believe as we do and treat people of other races, political leanings and/or lifestyles with open contempt and/or disgust? How can we expect God to bless us with His favor when we blatantly mistreat even one of His children or creations?
We often laugh (if only nervously) at those who are openly critical of us or others while they appear to be oblivious to the fact that they engage in many of the same behaviors or opinions. But it’s really not funny… and it displeases God. In the Contemporary English Version of this passage, Verse 1 says, “God will be as hard on you as you are on others! He will treat you exactly as you treat them.” Let this soak in for a minute. Before you start to criticize, pity, or correct another person, take a good look in the mirror. It may be that you have plenty of work to do at home without dabbling in another’s business!
Ask God to show you how and where to be more compassionate, less cynical and critical… and more patient with others. Call on Him to remove the “speck in your eye”… and to temper your desire to do the same for others. Get your own house in order, and give God room to work in your life. Let Him handle the smudges on the other guy’s face!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 17, 2012
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
You know me… I was watching a reality TV show… “Celebrity Apprentice”… and one of the “celebrities” was arguing her point before Donald Trump. As a fellow contestant passionately interjected, “Every sentence out of her mouth begins with ‘I’.” She is not a team player in the least. In fact, there are quite a few contestants on this season of “Celebrity Apprentice” who begin their sentences with “I” and want to take control – and credit – for everything their team accomplishes. The strange thing is that these “celebrities” are playing to earn money for charities throughout the world. And they will say, “This is for my charity” or “I’m fighting for my charity.” What they say and how they behave make two entirely different statements.
As Christians, we are “playing for a cause,” too… furthering God’s kingdom. Or at least, we are supposed to be working on God’s behalf. In truth, many “Christians” are doing little more than tooting their own horn… saying to the world, “Look at me! Look at me! I’m so wonderful! I’m so smart and talented! Don’t you love how I sing, speak or play an instrument – or perform on the field or the court (for God, of course!)? Didn’t you like what I had to say? Aren’t you impressed with how hard I work and all the things I’ve bought and how much of my earnings I’ve given away to the needy? Do you see all of the wonderful things I do for so many?”
Some of us act as if people are blessed merely to be in our presence! But nothing could be further from the truth! God doesn’t want “horn tooters.” He would rather use the humble homeless bum than the “Celebrity Apprentice” with an attitude. Where do you fit into this group? Are you one of God’s “nobodies” – and proud of it? Or are you constantly trying to be a “somebody”… to be recognized for your service and devotion and what a “good Christian” you are?
God is calling us to be HIS “nobodies” and humble ourselves before Him. We must recognize that He has made us who and what we are – we did not get here on our own merits. By the blood of Jesus, we are saved… and by God’s grace, we live another day to share the Good News with those in our path. It is by God’s hand that we “nobodies” become “somebodies”… and He alone deserves the recognition. Where does this leave you today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
You know me… I was watching a reality TV show… “Celebrity Apprentice”… and one of the “celebrities” was arguing her point before Donald Trump. As a fellow contestant passionately interjected, “Every sentence out of her mouth begins with ‘I’.” She is not a team player in the least. In fact, there are quite a few contestants on this season of “Celebrity Apprentice” who begin their sentences with “I” and want to take control – and credit – for everything their team accomplishes. The strange thing is that these “celebrities” are playing to earn money for charities throughout the world. And they will say, “This is for my charity” or “I’m fighting for my charity.” What they say and how they behave make two entirely different statements.
As Christians, we are “playing for a cause,” too… furthering God’s kingdom. Or at least, we are supposed to be working on God’s behalf. In truth, many “Christians” are doing little more than tooting their own horn… saying to the world, “Look at me! Look at me! I’m so wonderful! I’m so smart and talented! Don’t you love how I sing, speak or play an instrument – or perform on the field or the court (for God, of course!)? Didn’t you like what I had to say? Aren’t you impressed with how hard I work and all the things I’ve bought and how much of my earnings I’ve given away to the needy? Do you see all of the wonderful things I do for so many?”
Some of us act as if people are blessed merely to be in our presence! But nothing could be further from the truth! God doesn’t want “horn tooters.” He would rather use the humble homeless bum than the “Celebrity Apprentice” with an attitude. Where do you fit into this group? Are you one of God’s “nobodies” – and proud of it? Or are you constantly trying to be a “somebody”… to be recognized for your service and devotion and what a “good Christian” you are?
God is calling us to be HIS “nobodies” and humble ourselves before Him. We must recognize that He has made us who and what we are – we did not get here on our own merits. By the blood of Jesus, we are saved… and by God’s grace, we live another day to share the Good News with those in our path. It is by God’s hand that we “nobodies” become “somebodies”… and He alone deserves the recognition. Where does this leave you today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 14, 2012
James 3:13-16
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
On ABC’s The View, Barbara Walters said she wished children did not take Valentines to school on Valentine’s Day. Several of her co-workers gasped and questioned her about this remark. She explained that there always seemed to be a few children who brought Valentines for everyone and had a big fancy box to collect those which they received in return. However, not all children could afford to bring Valentines for others. And just as hurtful, some children were excluded from the exchange on purpose. Walters’ own daughter experienced this as a tall-for-her-age, gawky 6th grader who took a Valentine for every classmate… yet some deliberately did not reciprocate and made her feel inferior and ugly.
We start early building competitive spirit - and downright arrogance, prejudice, and meanness – into our children. By the time they are in upper elementary school, many have drawn a line in the sand between the “Haves” and the “Have-nots”… the “pretty” and the “ugly”… the popular and the unpopular people. Some spend lot of time and energy trying to be in the former camps, rather than the latter… and they will do almost anything to belong.
In my adult life, I have found it interesting to reconnect with some of the people who were so busy talking, boasting, twisting the truth, conniving and bullying others in order to appear wise, popular, or more important. Often, their lives turned out anything but well… filled with heartaches, missteps, and disappointments – if not utter failure. Some of those who lived in the shadows, quietly and humbly minding their own business, have gone on to accomplish great success… to become wise, well-respected, honorable and productive human beings who glorify God and bless others in their path.
Today, I challenge you to spend a few minutes thinking about your actions – and reactions – toward others. What image are you projecting? Are you boastful, judgmental, prejudiced, conniving? Do you take whatever steps are necessary to get ahead, make yourself look better, appear wise and affluent, and get what you want… at the expense of anything or anyone in your way? Has this become so much a part of your psyche that you don’t even realize you behave this way?
Ask God to show you where – and how – you need to become more humble. Call on Him to help you control your mouth… and your actions. It’s never too late to grow in wisdom… to more closely resemble the person God has called you to be. You may not be able to go back to 6th grade and give every classmate a Valentine, but you can start to be a nicer person in your present circle of friends and acquaintances. Are you building a reputation for wisdom? Will this be the Valentine’s Day you truly begin to operate in God’s love for you and those around you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
On ABC’s The View, Barbara Walters said she wished children did not take Valentines to school on Valentine’s Day. Several of her co-workers gasped and questioned her about this remark. She explained that there always seemed to be a few children who brought Valentines for everyone and had a big fancy box to collect those which they received in return. However, not all children could afford to bring Valentines for others. And just as hurtful, some children were excluded from the exchange on purpose. Walters’ own daughter experienced this as a tall-for-her-age, gawky 6th grader who took a Valentine for every classmate… yet some deliberately did not reciprocate and made her feel inferior and ugly.
We start early building competitive spirit - and downright arrogance, prejudice, and meanness – into our children. By the time they are in upper elementary school, many have drawn a line in the sand between the “Haves” and the “Have-nots”… the “pretty” and the “ugly”… the popular and the unpopular people. Some spend lot of time and energy trying to be in the former camps, rather than the latter… and they will do almost anything to belong.
In my adult life, I have found it interesting to reconnect with some of the people who were so busy talking, boasting, twisting the truth, conniving and bullying others in order to appear wise, popular, or more important. Often, their lives turned out anything but well… filled with heartaches, missteps, and disappointments – if not utter failure. Some of those who lived in the shadows, quietly and humbly minding their own business, have gone on to accomplish great success… to become wise, well-respected, honorable and productive human beings who glorify God and bless others in their path.
Today, I challenge you to spend a few minutes thinking about your actions – and reactions – toward others. What image are you projecting? Are you boastful, judgmental, prejudiced, conniving? Do you take whatever steps are necessary to get ahead, make yourself look better, appear wise and affluent, and get what you want… at the expense of anything or anyone in your way? Has this become so much a part of your psyche that you don’t even realize you behave this way?
Ask God to show you where – and how – you need to become more humble. Call on Him to help you control your mouth… and your actions. It’s never too late to grow in wisdom… to more closely resemble the person God has called you to be. You may not be able to go back to 6th grade and give every classmate a Valentine, but you can start to be a nicer person in your present circle of friends and acquaintances. Are you building a reputation for wisdom? Will this be the Valentine’s Day you truly begin to operate in God’s love for you and those around you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)