Quote from Forum Archives on July 27, 2001, 9:24 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

(My apologies, I thought this had been sent out on Thursday)...

It is summer time and it is time for repeats. Though I do not
watch a lot of television, I know, (from times when I have
watched) that this is a season of repeats. My friend, Larry
Davies, has also been sending out a series of "repeats", messages
that have been among his favorites, and favorites of his readers.
This particular one is a humbling message, because it challenges
us to look at ourselves. At first glance, this may appear to be
a message about preachers - professional pastors and clergy.
Certainly the message applies to such people. But it applies
equally well to everyone, starting with me.

The instant I pulled up this message, I remembered it, for it is
a message that I frequently have to remind myself of - the need
for continual self examination, and the need for personal
humility. These are not things for church pastors alone. These
are things that are important for every one of us to really
understand and apply to our lives each day - not always a fun
thing to do - instead, a humbling, but crucial thing to do.

Jesus not only taught about humility, He is the ultimate example
of humility. The apostle Paul completely understood this and
wrote about it in his letter to the Philippian church (especially
chapter 2, verses 1-11). This message today is a more modern
rendering of that message, personalized by my friend, Larry
Davies.

I want to be refined every day by my Creator, Sustainer, and
Lord. This message reminds me of the many times that my own
pride blocks me from learning new truths, (usually about myself)
and applying them. Thankfully, God is Gracious, and He persists
in showing me until I finally learn. Let's remind ourselves and
learn some more about the value of sensitivity and humility.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Reply-to: "Sowing Seeds of Faith..." <sowseeds@nesbe.com>
Subject: "Pride and the Preacher"

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Sowing Seeds of Faith

Pride and the Preacher
Larry Davies (804-239-1348)

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 dont 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? (Thats 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 dont sin, I dont 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.

Dont 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 cant they
straighten out their lives and become more like me? Thank you
God, I dont 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 Gods truth hit me right between the eyes I was the
arrogant preacher in the story. Someone called me, looking for
answers. His criticism very 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 Gods 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.

Sowing Seeds of Faith... Weekly devotions with ATTITUDE, humor,
great stories and a down-to-earth Bible study.

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Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/
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