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Monday, November 22, 2004
Psalm 131 starts with these words:
"O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me."
Humility is a lost art in our society. Even in team sports, we see the star athlete celebrate himself more than his team's victory...and sometimes even entire teams thump their chests after big wins. Businessmen talk about how much they deserve their accolades and bask in their financial scoreboards. Housewives even make icons of their childraising accomplishments by posting bumper stickers on their cars or bragging on bunco night.
It's a focus on self, at it's core...and pride really has no place in our walk with God as Psalm 131 reiterates.
The psalmist starts out with a recognition of the Lord...God is God and we are not Him.
He then states that his heart is not proud. See, pride runs deep...all the way to our hearts. Then it manifests itself in how we look at life. Our eyes can get haughty. It really is true that what is inside of a man will have outward manifestations.
David then declares that he doesn't invovle himself in great matters or excessive ambition. He was the king of Israel, for crying out loud! I would think everything he would do is a great matter. Ambition is almost inherent within the system, wouldn't you think?
But not for David. Apparently there was a way to be one of the most powerful people on the planet and remember your place under God's authority...and we'll talk about the specifics of that tomorrow.
For today, think a bit about areas of your life that cause pride for you...and here's a quote from Brennan Manning that might help you get your thought processes going:
"Just how a smart man knows he is stupid, so the awake Christian knows he/she is a ragamuffin. Although truth is not always humility, humility is always truth: the blunt acknowledgment that I owe my life, being and salvation to Another. This fundamental act lies at the core of our response to grace. The beauty of the ragamuffin gospel lies in the insight it offers into Jesus: the essential tenderness of His heart, His way of looking at the world, His mode of relating to you and me. If you really want to understand a man, don't just listen to what he says, but watch what he does."
Brent 7:01 AM
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