November 29, 2009

Sunday Inspirations: A Legend in Your Own Mind

Originally posted: 11/30/2008

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." -- (Romans 12:3)

Do you want to know one of the secrets of staying in the will of God, of keeping yourself from getting off track? Don't overestimate yourself! Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." How many times have we seen that borne out! How many times do we see believers get into trouble because they get an overblown idea of themselves. They begin to think they're so smart that they have it all figured out. This is a part of the scripture that I wish I paid more attention to over the years. Much of my life has been destroyed because of the false pride that resided in my soul.

Then, the next thing you know, they're thinking they have to straighten everyone else out. Instead of just letting Jesus be Head of the Church, they feel like they have to step in and do the job. Once that happens, it's just a matter of time before they're flat on their faces in failure. Why? Because the Bible says God resists the proud! (1 Pet. 5:5).

Don't put yourself in a position where God has to resist you. Rate your own abilities soberly. Adopt an attitude of humility. Keep a watch on yourself, and when you catch yourself getting puffed up with your own greatness, repent and remember that every good thing you enjoy and every bit of success you've had has come by the grace of God and by His power. Look back on your life and see how many times you could have lost what God had given you. See how many times, when you were floundering around making every mistake imaginable, His tender and precious mercy pulled you through.

Don't become a legend in your own mind. Instead, humble yourself beneath the mighty hand of God, and let God do the exalting--that prevents some very painful falls.

Anything in this post remind you of yourself at some point in your past?

7 comments:

SjP said...

So true! So true! Can't believe your own press clippings! Much obliged for the message today.

In honor of the namesake of my spot, you'll find quotes of wisdom and truth at SjP's today. I invite you and your readers to stop by if you are inclined and have the time.

Hagar's Daughter said...

That a powerful word Villager. We we think that we are better than others we can't live in community.

Marvalus said...

That is a wonderful message...thank you for sharing!

Happy Sunday to you...

LISA VAZQUEZ said...

Hello there!

This is an important message!

I believe you have correctly understood it. Many church folks I talk to think that this text is instructing them to justify low self esteem...that whole "I am a filthy rag" mentality.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful word!

Peace, blesings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa

Unknown said...

Sojourner, Hagar's Daughter & Marvalus - Thank you for sharing your village voice on this Sunday Inspiration. I hope more bloggers join us over time...

Unknown said...

Lisa - This is a testimony that I know first-hand. I hope that others will listen to His word and avoid having to experience the fall...

wisdomteachesme said...

Good day Villager!

Truthfully Examining myself every day to make sure that i am In the Faith and killing flesh every day in order Not to be fooled by my own flesh or the enemy's lies, Keeps my mind on Him and humble. If pride is in a heart then the Lord cannot be there also.

So true--There are So Many that Are mighty But only in their own minds.They try to love God from their minds and not from their hearts.
These people put their worth and power into their intelligence and their college degrees or social status or some other thing and place related to earthly order....They manipulate words and people in order to feel superior and powerful..None of that pleases the Lord or is it attached to doing His Work that He calls each of us to do for His namesake.

But people like this are feeding what their hearts truly love...and it is not the Lord.
What they love will reveal the truth about them.
They often think that their 'approval' of the Work others do for the Lord is for them to be concerned with when it is not and they should be focused on following Him themselves. (John 21:19-23)

Many think that every good idea is a God idea and moving on the plans they have laid for themselves is the best..not having the Wisdom or a strong discerning spirit to see they should Stop and Wait on the Lord to guide them; they move as they will and end up in the biggest messes, one after another after another...

Many are in too big of a hurry to 'do' something and usually it is for fame, money status, etc....If they would stop comparing themselves with others they could follow the path laid out for them by the Lord's plans...
The Lord wants to better us so that we will not lose or give away or shortchange our promises that He gives us...What the Lord gives should multiply and produce much fruit!
They end up not seeing or knowing the value of what they already have nor waiting for the better that the Lord wants to give them...
Seek His Face and what is in His hands will pour out to you!

Great reminder Villager, thank you...