Quote from Forum Archives on November 22, 2004, 8:08 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Word for Today, Mon, 22 Nov. 2004: Pride in Others and Ourselves
Dear friends,

Today's message comes from Larry Davies' Sowing Seeds of Faith.
The message this week is about personal pride. The message
begins with a personal confession. Larry is really good about
being open and transparent, showing us things that can readily be
seen in others, but then asks us to examine ourselves, something
that many of us have a much harder time doing.

I have a hard time facing my own arrogance, because when I see a
"Mister Know It All" attitude in someone else, I find it
repulsive. How hard it is when I have to take an honest look at
myself and look squarely at the exact same thing! However, I
have to admit that in the long run it is worth taking that hard
look so that Christ can work in me and bring about the kind of
loving change that my soul really needs.

Yours in Christ,

Brian

____________________________

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-----------------------------

"Pride and the Preacher"
Larry Davies

"Are you the preacher?" the voice asked over the phone.

"Yes, I am." I replied. "Why do you ask?"

"A few weeks ago, I was a visitor in your church and heard your
sermon. Could I ask a few questions?"

"Sure." I said with a smile, expecting a compliment.

"You told a story of a woman receiving communion? What does that
have to do with the Bible?"

I started to explain how stories are an excellent way to teach
scripture when he cut me off...

"Actually, I thought your sermon was pathetic!" He then went on
to tell me why. When I tried to explain further, he cut me off
saying, "I don't understand how you can justify what you do as
preaching?"

At this point, my mouth was turning dry and my whole body was
beginning to shake. How dare this young man tell me I was
pathetic? (That's not what he said.) Who does he think he is?
With gritted teeth, I politely told him there are other churches
in the area and he should consider attending one.

Later that day I read this story told by Jesus: "Two men went to
the Temple to pray. One was a Preacher and the other was a
dishonest businessman. The proud Preacher stood by himself and
prayed: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone
else, especially like that businessman over there! For I never
cheat, I don't sin, I don't commit adultery, I fast twice a week,
and I give you a tenth of my income.' "But the businessman stood
at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he
prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be
merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not
the preacher, returned home justified before God. For the proud
will be humbled, but the humble will be honored." (Luke 18:9-14
occupations modernized)

If there was ever a famous parable about humility, this is
it. The preacher is doing everything right. We should admire
someone who consistently does what he is claiming. So why is
Jesus giving him a hard time? The businessman was in church to
confess a sin. Why is Jesus honoring him? The temptation is to
picture the preacher as secretly evil and the businessman as a
nice guy who made a little mistake.

Don't do that! Jesus is making an important point. Most of us
become Christians by recognizing our sins and seeking forgiveness
before God. We change our lifestyle and grow in faith. As we
change, we also see more clearly the sins of our friends and
coworkers. We want to offer guidance. "Why can't they straighten
out their lives and become more like me? Thank you God, I don't
make their mistakes."

Did you catch it? Comparing our lives to others may make us look
a little better but not for long because the only comparison that
ultimately matters is with God. With God, we always come up
short. A freshly painted white house stands out in most
neighborhoods... until it snows. Then, even the white paint looks
pretty dull compared with the pure, freshly fallen snow. We like
to comfort ourselves that we are not thieves or drug dealers but
we forget the more subtle sins of pride and neglecting others.

Then God's truth hit me right between the eyes... I was the
arrogant preacher in the story.

Someone called me, looking for answers. His criticism likely
disguised a cry for help. Instead of listening and attempting to
understand his underlying concerns, I became defensive and shut
him out. I was the one who needed God's forgiveness. I was the
preacher who needed to be humbled.

Two men began to pray. One was a businessman with a problem. The
other, a preacher, considered one of the best in the
community. The preacher compared himself with the businessman and
thought he had arrived. The businessman compared himself with God
and knew he was in deep trouble. Both were sinners but only one
knew it... "For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be
honored."

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light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine
for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

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=====
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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