On Wounds and Humility

30. December 2011 · 2 comments · Categories: Depression, God's still working on me, Spiritual Growth · Tags: ,

Have you ever been emotionally wounded by someone you know? Perhaps someone close to you-a friend or family member?

The pain of hurtful words seem to hurt more when done by a friend than a foe. I’ve experienced these wounds a few times over the past couple of years. The unkind words spoken cut deep and occasionally, still if picked at and pondered over, still bleed fresh.

Wounds that haven’t been cleaned can become infected. I’ve had heart wounds that have become infected and spread straight to my mind and soul. The thoughts in my mind about past wounds suffered by friends are like invasive cells. They spread lies quickly, feeding off my wounds. Each thought builds upon another as even older wounds from long ago injuries spring to mind. The lying thoughts and beliefs about myself resurface saying, ”You’re no good. Why would anyone want to be your friend?” Like a deadly bacteria that travels the blood stream, threatening a person’s very life, believing these lies can cause serious damage to my heart.

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Humility and the Love of the Gospel

23. December 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Spiritual Growth · Tags: ,

Humility is a difficult topic to write about. Once you think you know something about it, then you begin to lack it. The only way I can begin to understand the concept of humility is in light of the gospel of grace- for there it plays a very significant role.

Humility is the exact opposite of what Israel expected of its Messiah. Humility is the opposite of our heart’s natural bent. God likes to do things beyond what we expect and He uses means we would never imagine.

Jesus was born, not in a palace, but in a manger. His first disciples were simple, uneducated fishermen. He ate meals with sinners and tax collectors. Unlike the foxes and birds He created, He never owned His own bed. He washed feet and taught His followers to turn the other cheek.

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Freedom in Humility

16. December 2011 · 2 comments · Categories: Spiritual Growth · Tags: , ,

Humility is a frequent topic discussed around our house. My oldest is quite bright and that brightness combined with being the elder sibling, creates a combination widely known as a “know it all.” Not only does he boss around his younger brother, but he corrects adults as well.

Humility is hard for all of us. We all want to be viewed by others positively. We want to see ourselves as better than others. It’s the core of our heart problem. We want first place. Lack of humility made Eve desire to be like God. And its been a human problem ever since.

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On Humility and Christmas

09. December 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Spiritual Growth · Tags: , ,

If you were of royal blood, a king perhaps, and you were sending your child to live somewhere else, what kind of home would you choose for him? Whom would you choose to take care of him while he was there?

I would venture to guess that most of us would choose a grand estate with lavish decor-similar to the home he is leaving. We would also probably choose the best in care- the most experienced, intelligent and highly qualified care taker.

This month, we are looking at the topic of humility. As we begin this season of Advent, this is a timely subject. The story of Christmas is a story of humility.

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