Be Humble....

    I'm going to start this blog off where several questions.  But first, I ask that you take a moment, open your heart and ears so that you may hear what God has to say.  When you're ready, search your heart and answer the questions I'm about to ask you honestly.

     What do your actions say about you?  How loud is your volume when your speaking of your success?  Are you quick to take credit for your abilities?  When your strengths fail you, who do you blame?  What happens when you are not able to perform to your abilities?  Do you tend to coward down?  Do you have to swallow your pride and admit defeat?

      In today's society, there is a level of acceptance when it comes to pride.  Look around at Hollywood, many individuals want to stake claim on their athletic abilities, their beauties, their talents, etc.  Even in small communities, this continues to happen.  The pain God must feel from this saddens my heart.  I mean, think about it, how do you feel when someone takes credit for something that you did.  How do you feel?  Now think about it at a different level, a higher level.  God created the World, He created us, and gave us our talents. 

      This is about the best transition I can give when it comes to my topic: Being Humble.  Philippians 2:3 says, "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves."  We are to be Christ-like, humbling ourselves before God.  As you read further in Philippians 2 it talks about having the same attitude as Christ (v.5).  If you have the same attitude as Christ you become humble. 

      Here's a list of things to remember...

1. Don't be selfish.  Jesus could have been selfish and say, "Pay your own way into Heaven."  But thank goodness He didn't.  He laid His life down so that we wouldn't have to.
2. Be humble.  Jesus not only sat with the lowly, He loved them.  He did not take credit for His powers, instead, He praised His Father. 
3. Praise God.  It is not your strength, your talents, your abilities that people recognize.  It is God using you and giving you what you need.  God deserves the praise for giving you the strength, talent, and/or ability.

Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for all you do.  Thank you for knowing my needs and providing for them.  I give you the praise and glory for my abilities.  You have created me, I did not create myself or my talents.  Praise to you Lord.  Continue to use me to reach others.  In Jesus' name, AMEN.