For me, sometimes, I get upset when I have to be the one to confess first in a conflict, either with my husband or someone else. I know that this actually God's refining of my character...I am sure there is pride He is trying to cut away and replace with humility. I was reminded of I Peter 5:5 today. It says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Pride is probably the root sin for all other sin we show outwardly. Pride keeps us from hearing another person. It keeps us from being teachable and reasonable. Prides stands in the way of submitting to others opinions and preferences. It's what is at the heart of thoughts like, "I know better how to handle this." It's also the root reason we work harder at being understood rather than trying to understand.
I have been thinking about this today and wondering what changes would need to be made in my life if I were to put on humility. First, I think I would be willing to say about a challenge I am having with my child, "I think I will wait until I talk to Paul about this. His thoughts and understanding are at least as important as mine, if not more." I would find myself working alongside my husband as a teamplayer, rather than opponent. I wouldn't throw accusations at him...or believing it is his fault when something goes wrong with one of our children. I wouldn't stand in the way of his leadership at home. Instead I would work to protect it, support it, and encourage it...not resist it. (Whether I believe he is handling something perfectly or not).
But the number one thing that stood out to me was, I would be graciously and willingly confess my sins to him--first.
In light of I Peter 5:5, the sooner I humble myself, the sooner I experience God's renewed grace. The sooner I run to the foot of the cross, the sooner the gospel is shown in my life. If I will confess then I will no longer have to worry about my own reputation anymore...or defending myself. Instead I will be flooded with God's mercy.
I was challenged today in a book I am reading with this, "Am I running the gospel race? Or playing the blame game?"
Di
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2 comments:
Hi Di,
I loved when you said, "The sooner I humble myself, the sooner I experience God's renewed grace."
That was a "wow" statement to me.
The thing you mentioned about apologizing first....that can be so hard. Thanks for sharing your journey with this as it has really ministered to my soul.
Love,
Lori
Thanks Lori. You minister to me on a very regular basis. I appreciate your teachable and humble heart. It is a real encouragment to me.
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