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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The wisdom of heaven reminds us:

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

Knowing this, we must try to balance two truths: "I must not be prideful, but I must understand just how much God values me." It's not easy. Satan can use our self-denigration, what I call "the worthless worm syndrome," to discourage and demean ourselves as God's creation. He longs to keep us from using our spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11) and God's purposes for us (Psalm 139:13-16). The evil one wants us to forget our value to God and what he longs to do through us in his Kingdom work. On the other hand, pride takes God out of the picture. We attribute any contribution we make to God's Kingdom and our world to ourselves, rather than to God. To be both image bearers of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and part of fallen humanity (Romans 3:21-24) is more than a theological issue; it is the daily struggle of being JESUShaped disciples who know our sinfulness and also God's love, mercy, and grace. We maintain our proper balance of humility as flawed mortals and divine utility as beings uniquely created and recreated (2 Corinthians 5:17) by God, when we praise the One who made us his children and give thanks for being adopted into his family because of his grace for us in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).

My Prayer...

Holy Father, I know that I am your child, not because of my deservedness, but because you redeemed me at the cost of Jesus' life. I know I am loved and valuable to you. I know you have given me abilities and gifts to use for your glory and to bless your church. But Father, I do not ever want to think that my abilities are somehow tied to my superiority or value. I know you have given me the gifts, abilities, and experiences that have shaped me. So, dear Father, please empower me as I seek to glorify you. However, righteous Father, I never want the glory that is achieved from your gifts to puff me up or rob me of my humility before you. I know that I am who I am, that I have what I have, and that I can do what I do, because of your grace and your generous gifts. May I ever be your humble yet valuable child, working for your glory and building your Kingdom. I pray this in the name of Jesus, my older brother and your Son. Amen.