Saturday, April 29, 2017

pride, humility or both

Humility does not mean we can not (or are not allowed to) find satisfaction ("take pride") in completing a task or playing a part in the production of something valuable. Humility is knowing the energy that drives us and the resources we utilize to do so are all gifts; they come from outside of us, not from us i.e. they may be gifts we possess within our person but they are not created or generated by us.

To "take pride" in accomplishment can simply mean we recognize we are God's appointed means (the instrument and conduit) by which things are accomplished and are grateful and humbled by being that instrument to bring about His purposes.

In fact, when we clearly understand our role (as stewards entrusted to use the gifts He gives for His glory) we can be "proud" (in this sense) and humbled at the same time

To be recognized for doing something well is truly humbling when we properly understand how this comes about and who we truly are... Broken, rebellious, yet fully redeemed, Spirit-infused and empowered, infinitely cherished, totally loved and embraced image bearers and children of God used to accomplish His purposes. 

God honors/values/takes pride in our accomplishments done for his honor:

"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 

Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 
And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.'  

His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.

And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' 

His master said to him,  'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'  - Jesus Mat 25:14 -23 

For a discussion on the importance of great effort click here

For a discussion on the humility of God click here

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Grace to you
Jim Deal