Matthew 7:21-23
“Knowing the correct
password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you
anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my
Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting
up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the
demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you
know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use
me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re
out of here.’”
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.
Think of how many times has
someone mentioned a name to you, and you said, “Oh, I know that
person…he/she goes to my church!” Because you attend worship services
with this person, many conclusions are immediately drawn. Often,
assumptions are made about someone based on whether he/she attends
church – or based on which church is attended! Sadly, we often
categorize and/or judge people based on their church affiliation. This
one is surely very spiritual because he goes to ABC church. That one
must be headed down the wrong path, because she practices XYZ religion!
And
let’s be honest…on some level, we claim some “street cred” because of
our religious and denominational affiliation. We like to think that
people look at us and say, “Oh, he/she is a good Christian. I see them
at the church all the time. They come to my Bible study…and they have a
cross or church sign in their yard!”
Let’s get real. There are
some pretty awful people hiding behind crosses, church memberships, and
cheap talk about the LORD and how He has blessed their lives. And when
they stand before God, He is very likely to tell them, “You missed the
boat.”
Thankfully, there are people who are genuine
disciples for Christ. They walk the walk and talk the talk…and God
takes notice. Generally, these people are not concerned with making
themselves seem important or impressing anyone – even God. They do not
attend church to make business connections or improve traffic to their
workplace. They do not associate only with those who share their
denomination – or a pew. They are too busy seeking God’s will and
listening for His voice…doing what He has commissioned them to do…and
serving Him with humility, modesty and gratitude.
I am not
criticizing yard signs, crosses, or other outward expressions of our
faith…and I would never suggest that you remove them or stop sharing
scripture verses or quotes from fellow Christians with others in venues
such as social media or via greeting cards. But I suggest that we all
take a good hard look at our intentions…and how we serve and represent
God. Are our motives pure and sincere – and completely focused on
Jesus? Or do we have even a smidgen of a hidden agenda?
When we
stand before God and account for how we represented Him, what will He
have to say? Will we hear, “Well done!”…or will He say, “You don’t
impress me one bit!”? None of us wants to miss the boat on this. This
is the day to start getting it right…to examine our hearts and make sure
that we are serving humbly and honorably. How do you think you are
doing?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label thinking more of ourselves than we should. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thinking more of ourselves than we should. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 4, 2016
February 4 ~ Psalm 89:7
You are the most fearsome
of all who live in heaven;
all the others fear
and greatly honor you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When Greg and I started our own business nearly 30 years ago, I did “PR” work on the side to help pay for our office equipment. Some of this work had me “rubbing elbows” with a few well-known public figures – and even a celebrity or two. I don’t mean to name drop, but I’ve spent time with President Bill Clinton (when he was Governor of Arkansas) – and even dined with Hillary. I’ve met well-known authors like the late Norman Mailer…and I used to be on a first-name basis with home, beauty and fashion editors from coast to coast - and the CEO’s of several companies in the RV/Camping industry.
I know a back-up singer for Christian recording artist CeCe Winans, three former pro football players, and my childhood neighbor is a retired Arkansas Supreme Court Judge. Another childhood friend edits videos for the likes of Garth Brooks, Justin Bieber, and Lady Antebellum…and one of my lifelong friends has been the secretary for every Arkansas Razorbacks Football Coach since Lou Holtz!
How does this relate to Psalm 89:7? As I have grown closer to God, I have learned a valuable lesson…these are all just “plain folks” like you and me. Oh, a few celebrities and notables may feel that they are more important…but I can tell you that each one of them grew up pretty well as you and I did. They had typical childhood experiences, played outside with friends, went to school, and grew up similarly to us. They had challenges, heartaches, and disappointments, too. Some of them may want you to think they are “all that and a bag of chips” now…but their “roots” are probably about as common as anyone else’s.
So I am not all that impressed with “notoriety.” My heart does not pound faster when I’m near someone with wide-spread recognition. I am not awed by them…nor all that dazzled by an opportunity to meet them and shake their hands. I can remember standing in line to get the autograph of a well-known athlete…and yes, James Taylor actually signed my denim jacket at one of his concerts. But I also remember passing up a chance to walk over and speak to a US Olympic boxer and actor who was standing just a few feet away.
There is only ONE who can bring me to my knees and cause me to tremble in “fear” and excitement…and that is God Almighty. This scripture passage says that even the angels shake in His presence! God is the only “celebrity” worthy of my awe…the only One whose “autograph” I truly wish to own. I want Him to write His name on my heart…and I’ll keep it there forever. I am happy to “name drop” big time when it comes to God…I want everyone to know that I know Him. I will never become complacent about our relationship – He will always make my heart beat faster.
What about you? Are you “star-struck” for mere mortals? Do you have respect and reverence for God…and more importantly, is He the object of your deepest “celebrity crush?” Have you got your priorities in order…and do you understand that in God’s eyes, we are all created equal…from the orphan and homeless woman on the street to the drug addict, to the leader of the free world – and everyone in between? Do you get that God is in a league all His own - far and away superior to all others…and yet, He calls you His child?
Will this be the day that you begin to give God the respect and “billing” that He deserves? If angels tremble in His sight with respect and reverence, don’t you think you should, as well? Who causes you to tremble with fear and excitement? Isn’t it time you figured it out?
©2016 Debbie Robus
You are the most fearsome
of all who live in heaven;
all the others fear
and greatly honor you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When Greg and I started our own business nearly 30 years ago, I did “PR” work on the side to help pay for our office equipment. Some of this work had me “rubbing elbows” with a few well-known public figures – and even a celebrity or two. I don’t mean to name drop, but I’ve spent time with President Bill Clinton (when he was Governor of Arkansas) – and even dined with Hillary. I’ve met well-known authors like the late Norman Mailer…and I used to be on a first-name basis with home, beauty and fashion editors from coast to coast - and the CEO’s of several companies in the RV/Camping industry.
I know a back-up singer for Christian recording artist CeCe Winans, three former pro football players, and my childhood neighbor is a retired Arkansas Supreme Court Judge. Another childhood friend edits videos for the likes of Garth Brooks, Justin Bieber, and Lady Antebellum…and one of my lifelong friends has been the secretary for every Arkansas Razorbacks Football Coach since Lou Holtz!
How does this relate to Psalm 89:7? As I have grown closer to God, I have learned a valuable lesson…these are all just “plain folks” like you and me. Oh, a few celebrities and notables may feel that they are more important…but I can tell you that each one of them grew up pretty well as you and I did. They had typical childhood experiences, played outside with friends, went to school, and grew up similarly to us. They had challenges, heartaches, and disappointments, too. Some of them may want you to think they are “all that and a bag of chips” now…but their “roots” are probably about as common as anyone else’s.
So I am not all that impressed with “notoriety.” My heart does not pound faster when I’m near someone with wide-spread recognition. I am not awed by them…nor all that dazzled by an opportunity to meet them and shake their hands. I can remember standing in line to get the autograph of a well-known athlete…and yes, James Taylor actually signed my denim jacket at one of his concerts. But I also remember passing up a chance to walk over and speak to a US Olympic boxer and actor who was standing just a few feet away.
There is only ONE who can bring me to my knees and cause me to tremble in “fear” and excitement…and that is God Almighty. This scripture passage says that even the angels shake in His presence! God is the only “celebrity” worthy of my awe…the only One whose “autograph” I truly wish to own. I want Him to write His name on my heart…and I’ll keep it there forever. I am happy to “name drop” big time when it comes to God…I want everyone to know that I know Him. I will never become complacent about our relationship – He will always make my heart beat faster.
What about you? Are you “star-struck” for mere mortals? Do you have respect and reverence for God…and more importantly, is He the object of your deepest “celebrity crush?” Have you got your priorities in order…and do you understand that in God’s eyes, we are all created equal…from the orphan and homeless woman on the street to the drug addict, to the leader of the free world – and everyone in between? Do you get that God is in a league all His own - far and away superior to all others…and yet, He calls you His child?
Will this be the day that you begin to give God the respect and “billing” that He deserves? If angels tremble in His sight with respect and reverence, don’t you think you should, as well? Who causes you to tremble with fear and excitement? Isn’t it time you figured it out?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 27, 2015
Psalm 37:8-9
Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry — it only leads to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The children were promised a trip to the park this afternoon when we returned home from church and a visit to our house. We have several nice playgrounds around town, including one that is near a lake and one that sits beside a stream. Timothy said they were going to the one “by the water.” But as we passed our city park, Zola insisted, “That’s where we’re going! Mom said we were going to the one with the ladybug!” The “ladybug” is an apparatus on which a child can “ride”…and Zola loves it!
Timothy declared, “Well, if we go to that park, I’m just going to sit on the bench and not play!” I told him that he would miss all the fun, and he said, “I don’t care! I don’t want to have any fun if we’re not going to the park by the water!” Somehow, I have a feeling that once he got to the park with the “ladybug,” he was rarin’ to go – and had as much fun as anyone there! If not, he wasted a lot of time and energy – and the opportunity to enjoy himself…all because he chose to fret and be angry.
It’s a hard thing to be six years old…and even harder not to always get your own way. But can you see how this relates to us? Do you understand that we often get so worked up about things that we miss out on the blessing – and/or a good time? We often waste so much of our energy on situations that we ought to simply hand over to God. Sometimes, it seems as if we actually enjoy hand-wringing and the “rush” of being angry!
But as this scripture passage points out…this can be harmful and truly serves no good. If we will only learn to give our troubles and frustrations to God and allow Him to have control, there is every chance that we will enjoy life more. We might even discover countless blessings that would otherwise be missed. I can’t promise that God will always choose to allow us a trip to the park beside the water. But when we let go and give Him control, we’ll surely have more opportunities to enjoy whatever activities He places in our path.
Are you ready to “let go and let God” have control in your life? Will this be the day that you redouble your efforts to do so?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry — it only leads to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The children were promised a trip to the park this afternoon when we returned home from church and a visit to our house. We have several nice playgrounds around town, including one that is near a lake and one that sits beside a stream. Timothy said they were going to the one “by the water.” But as we passed our city park, Zola insisted, “That’s where we’re going! Mom said we were going to the one with the ladybug!” The “ladybug” is an apparatus on which a child can “ride”…and Zola loves it!
Timothy declared, “Well, if we go to that park, I’m just going to sit on the bench and not play!” I told him that he would miss all the fun, and he said, “I don’t care! I don’t want to have any fun if we’re not going to the park by the water!” Somehow, I have a feeling that once he got to the park with the “ladybug,” he was rarin’ to go – and had as much fun as anyone there! If not, he wasted a lot of time and energy – and the opportunity to enjoy himself…all because he chose to fret and be angry.
It’s a hard thing to be six years old…and even harder not to always get your own way. But can you see how this relates to us? Do you understand that we often get so worked up about things that we miss out on the blessing – and/or a good time? We often waste so much of our energy on situations that we ought to simply hand over to God. Sometimes, it seems as if we actually enjoy hand-wringing and the “rush” of being angry!
But as this scripture passage points out…this can be harmful and truly serves no good. If we will only learn to give our troubles and frustrations to God and allow Him to have control, there is every chance that we will enjoy life more. We might even discover countless blessings that would otherwise be missed. I can’t promise that God will always choose to allow us a trip to the park beside the water. But when we let go and give Him control, we’ll surely have more opportunities to enjoy whatever activities He places in our path.
Are you ready to “let go and let God” have control in your life? Will this be the day that you redouble your efforts to do so?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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
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
Daily Devotional for June 29, 2015
Proverbs 11:2
Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A candidate for the 2016 Presidential election has declared that the Pope should refrain from offering an opinion on global warming. He is said to have told a reporter…“The church has gotten it wrong a few times on science. We probably are better off leaving science to the scientists, and focusing on what we’re really good at, which is theology and morality.” Apparently this candidate missed the fact that the Pope received a “Chemical Technician’s Diploma from Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen…and once worked at more than one laboratory performing chemical testing.
Open mouth – insert foot. We do it all the time. But as Christians who genuinely desire to represent Jesus – and serve Him well – we ought to be paying closer attention to our words, actions and deeds. Before we criticize anyone else – about anything – we ought to check our facts – and check with God to ask Him which of His purposes our judgment of others will serve. I’m talking about how we characterize and/or criticize everyone from our neighbors and the cashier at your local grocery store or restaurant…to the workers who collect your garbage each week or work in some other “service” position…to our political and religious leaders (including the President of the United States – and even the Pope)…and all of those in between. As the old rhetorical question goes…”Who died and made you king?”
Let’s get something straight…none of us knows what is in another person’s heart. And quite frankly, we have no clue what goes on in another person’s daily living, for the most part. The person you dare to judge or disparage may have challenges and heartaches that you could never imagine. He/she may have knees so raw from kneeling in prayer and spending time with God that it’s hard to walk across the floor. Were we to stand side-by-side before God with this person and hear our good deeds – and our sins – listed…we might have to hang our heads in shame by comparison.
Too many of us make snap judgments – and harsh ones. We SAY that we are Christians and then proceed to elevate ourselves to almost God-like status…and judge everyone who is “beneath” us. And by that, I mean anyone who doesn’t view every aspect of life exactly as we do and act accordingly. Let me assure you…God is not impressed by this. In fact, He is downright brokenhearted.
We had better learn to stop puffing our chests out in pride at how devout and faithful we are, and humbly serve God by loving one another – each and every one! We’d better get our facts straight and not accuse others of something in which we aren’t fully versed. And we had better start learning how to get along…with everybody.
I do not mean to sound angry – or to be critical and become “one of those people” in the process. But I am disheartened at the number of so-called Christians who have created an atmosphere of “us vs. them” and set themselves up as superior to others. I am saddened by the condescension and hate…and I am truly sickened to think about the inroads that this gives to the devil. What unbeliever could possibly want to become a Christian when he/she sees how so many of us behave toward each other?
We can’t have it both ways. We cannot be prideful and truly represent Jesus Christ as His disciple. Who do you think you are? How are you representing Jesus to others…with an arrogant, condescending attitude…or as His humble servant who extends His love in every direction? How you answer this matters – greatly. God wants foot soldiers for His army…not another Commander-in-Chief. Which one are you trying to be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A candidate for the 2016 Presidential election has declared that the Pope should refrain from offering an opinion on global warming. He is said to have told a reporter…“The church has gotten it wrong a few times on science. We probably are better off leaving science to the scientists, and focusing on what we’re really good at, which is theology and morality.” Apparently this candidate missed the fact that the Pope received a “Chemical Technician’s Diploma from Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen…and once worked at more than one laboratory performing chemical testing.
Open mouth – insert foot. We do it all the time. But as Christians who genuinely desire to represent Jesus – and serve Him well – we ought to be paying closer attention to our words, actions and deeds. Before we criticize anyone else – about anything – we ought to check our facts – and check with God to ask Him which of His purposes our judgment of others will serve. I’m talking about how we characterize and/or criticize everyone from our neighbors and the cashier at your local grocery store or restaurant…to the workers who collect your garbage each week or work in some other “service” position…to our political and religious leaders (including the President of the United States – and even the Pope)…and all of those in between. As the old rhetorical question goes…”Who died and made you king?”
Let’s get something straight…none of us knows what is in another person’s heart. And quite frankly, we have no clue what goes on in another person’s daily living, for the most part. The person you dare to judge or disparage may have challenges and heartaches that you could never imagine. He/she may have knees so raw from kneeling in prayer and spending time with God that it’s hard to walk across the floor. Were we to stand side-by-side before God with this person and hear our good deeds – and our sins – listed…we might have to hang our heads in shame by comparison.
Too many of us make snap judgments – and harsh ones. We SAY that we are Christians and then proceed to elevate ourselves to almost God-like status…and judge everyone who is “beneath” us. And by that, I mean anyone who doesn’t view every aspect of life exactly as we do and act accordingly. Let me assure you…God is not impressed by this. In fact, He is downright brokenhearted.
We had better learn to stop puffing our chests out in pride at how devout and faithful we are, and humbly serve God by loving one another – each and every one! We’d better get our facts straight and not accuse others of something in which we aren’t fully versed. And we had better start learning how to get along…with everybody.
I do not mean to sound angry – or to be critical and become “one of those people” in the process. But I am disheartened at the number of so-called Christians who have created an atmosphere of “us vs. them” and set themselves up as superior to others. I am saddened by the condescension and hate…and I am truly sickened to think about the inroads that this gives to the devil. What unbeliever could possibly want to become a Christian when he/she sees how so many of us behave toward each other?
We can’t have it both ways. We cannot be prideful and truly represent Jesus Christ as His disciple. Who do you think you are? How are you representing Jesus to others…with an arrogant, condescending attitude…or as His humble servant who extends His love in every direction? How you answer this matters – greatly. God wants foot soldiers for His army…not another Commander-in-Chief. Which one are you trying to be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 28, 2015
Philippians 2:5-8
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
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.
A post is circulating on social media about a woman who moved into a neighborhood and began to hang out her laundry each morning. The next-door neighbor noted that the laundry was dirty, and she remarked to her husband with great condescension that this woman ought to know better than to hang out dirty laundry. Then one morning she got up, and the woman was hanging out her laundry – and it appeared to be clean. The critical neighbor wondered aloud who had spoken to the woman about her wash, and the husband said, “Oh I just got up early and cleaned our windows this morning.” The point was that how we see things depends upon the cleanliness of our “windows.”
In light of this scripture passage, I think we ought to ask ourselves, “Who do we think we are?!” We have this perfect example in the life of Jesus Christ…the King of Kings who humbled Himself, lived 100% as a human being (and all that this implies), and then suffered a death worse than that of a common criminal. The Son of God…the Savior of the World…the One who could have whispered to His Father and stopped everything…became a mere man, subservient to God in all things. And still, His primary commandment to each of us is to love others, because that’s what He did. And boy, did Jesus demonstrate how to love!
I don’t know about you, but I'm pretty sure that I’m due a “window cleaning!” I would suspect that many – if not all – of us need to dial it down a notch…to think a little less of ourselves than we do. It’s time to humble ourselves before God and recognize that we are not His equal…to learn from the One who truly was…and yet, He humbled himself to become a servant and the subject of ridicule, persecution, and the most humiliating and torturous death imaginable.
It is most likely that God is not ever going to ask us to truly suffer for Him – most certainly not anything like what happened to Jesus. All He wants us to do is to humbly serve wherever and whenever He sends us…and to love one another. And that means we need to “keep our windows clean.” We can do this…can’t we?! I’ll grab the bucket…you get the squeegee.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
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.
A post is circulating on social media about a woman who moved into a neighborhood and began to hang out her laundry each morning. The next-door neighbor noted that the laundry was dirty, and she remarked to her husband with great condescension that this woman ought to know better than to hang out dirty laundry. Then one morning she got up, and the woman was hanging out her laundry – and it appeared to be clean. The critical neighbor wondered aloud who had spoken to the woman about her wash, and the husband said, “Oh I just got up early and cleaned our windows this morning.” The point was that how we see things depends upon the cleanliness of our “windows.”
In light of this scripture passage, I think we ought to ask ourselves, “Who do we think we are?!” We have this perfect example in the life of Jesus Christ…the King of Kings who humbled Himself, lived 100% as a human being (and all that this implies), and then suffered a death worse than that of a common criminal. The Son of God…the Savior of the World…the One who could have whispered to His Father and stopped everything…became a mere man, subservient to God in all things. And still, His primary commandment to each of us is to love others, because that’s what He did. And boy, did Jesus demonstrate how to love!
I don’t know about you, but I'm pretty sure that I’m due a “window cleaning!” I would suspect that many – if not all – of us need to dial it down a notch…to think a little less of ourselves than we do. It’s time to humble ourselves before God and recognize that we are not His equal…to learn from the One who truly was…and yet, He humbled himself to become a servant and the subject of ridicule, persecution, and the most humiliating and torturous death imaginable.
It is most likely that God is not ever going to ask us to truly suffer for Him – most certainly not anything like what happened to Jesus. All He wants us to do is to humbly serve wherever and whenever He sends us…and to love one another. And that means we need to “keep our windows clean.” We can do this…can’t we?! I’ll grab the bucket…you get the squeegee.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 26, 2015
Matthew 23:11-12
“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.
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.
Each of these individuals now stands out in our minds…or they should. Each person named here made their life count for plenty – by being themselves and serving God with grace, as President Obama so eloquently stated in his eulogy of Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney today. We should remember them…not because they were puffed up and important…but because in their humility and reverence, they served and honored God - and made a difference.
I have noted this before, but I’ve thought a lot about what could be said of me in such a situation. I’ve pondered how I might have reacted…and how I would be remembered. Would I be someone who was “in the right place at the right time”…and by that, I mean serving or worshipping God with my words, thoughts and actions in every area of my daily living? Am I quietly and humbly making a difference because of God’s grace over my life? Or am I more concerned with what’s in all of this for me?
Does it matter to you – and to me – what others think of us… how much and how often our efforts are recognized? Are we serving to be seen and heard…or to honor the tremendous gifts that God has bestowed up on us? Are we more interested in standing out than standing up for God – and extending His grace to others? Can we learn from the example of these nine individuals and change our attitudes and our actions to more closely demonstrate the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of our amazing God? Don’t you think we should?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.
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.
- Tywanza Sanders, age 26 - Bible study member, college graduate, and barber who hoped to open his own barbershop
- Clementa C. Pinckney, age 41 – pastor of Emmanuel A.M.E. church and South Carolina state senator
- Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, age 45 – pastor, speech therapist and track coach at Goose Creek High School
- Depayne Middleton-Doctor, age 49 - pastor, school administrator, and admissions coordinator at Southern Wesleyan University
- Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, age 54 – Bible study member and manager for the Charleston County Public Library System
- Myra Thompson, age 59 – Bible study teacher and former middle school teacher for the Charleston County School District
- Ethel Lee Lance, age 70 – former custodian at Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, and church custodian for roughly 30 years at Emmanuel A.M.E. church in Charleston, South Carolina
- Daniel L Simmons, Sr., age 74 – a Vietnam vet with a Purple Heart, retired pastor, and member of Mother Emmanuel’s ministerial staff
- Susie Jackson, age 87 – Bible study and church choir member, known for her generosity to those in need...and great-aunt to Tywanza Sanders
Each of these individuals now stands out in our minds…or they should. Each person named here made their life count for plenty – by being themselves and serving God with grace, as President Obama so eloquently stated in his eulogy of Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney today. We should remember them…not because they were puffed up and important…but because in their humility and reverence, they served and honored God - and made a difference.
I have noted this before, but I’ve thought a lot about what could be said of me in such a situation. I’ve pondered how I might have reacted…and how I would be remembered. Would I be someone who was “in the right place at the right time”…and by that, I mean serving or worshipping God with my words, thoughts and actions in every area of my daily living? Am I quietly and humbly making a difference because of God’s grace over my life? Or am I more concerned with what’s in all of this for me?
Does it matter to you – and to me – what others think of us… how much and how often our efforts are recognized? Are we serving to be seen and heard…or to honor the tremendous gifts that God has bestowed up on us? Are we more interested in standing out than standing up for God – and extending His grace to others? Can we learn from the example of these nine individuals and change our attitudes and our actions to more closely demonstrate the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of our amazing God? Don’t you think we should?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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