Typing that title, I smile to myself, that isn’t going to win any awards. Let’s be honest. We won’t be picking up a People magazine because Brad is humble. We won’t click on a news story about humble. Will we?
Speaking for myself, I would like to think better, but my history doesn’t lie. I know what I read. I know what I like. So, when my spirit is wrestling with words spoken towards me or family members, the natural inclination is to bring on the judgement filter.
You know this filter. Let’s put the filter on. You replay a conversation in your head and you realize with whomever you were talking, wronged you. Now, the judgement filter comes. What did you say? What did the other person say? Clearly the other person is in the wrong.
Do you love this game? I don’t. Replay mode never really speaks the whole truth. And then, if we bring another person in, with thoughts and opinions, oooooh, now we can really get the pot a-boiling.
Yesterday, the fourth chapter of James walked into my life and shook some sense.
6 But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].” 7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. James 4: 6-8 AMP
Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
He gives more and more grace. He has given us the Holy Spirit. So, the conversations that we want to replay in our head, let’s try a new filter.
Prayer.
He gives us all we need through the Holy Spirit to live a life of obedience. This is love. I don’t obey because I have to, I obey because I love to. (Horrible sentence..you get my drift…) Reflecting my faith and my thankfulness to Jesus is found in obeying him. Following his precepts.
God is opposed to the proud. Where is there room for him? Pride says, I have to no need for God. I can do all things myself, thanks. Haughty pats itself on the back. Pride says, I’ll run this race without water, thanks. Pride says, I don’t need anyone, thanks. Pride relishes in the temporary.
God gives grace to the humble. Those who say, I need. I can’t do anything without him. I am who I am because of him. Run to the Living Water. I need the body of Christ. I need my foundation to be in the eternal.
So, submitting to God, means peaceful. Means quiet, open hands to him. Today, in our conversations, may we remember each person we meet is fighting an internal battle we know nothing about. God isn’t finished with us yet, and he is not finished with them yet either.
Peace.
#openhands #james4 #hopewriters #peace #humble
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