He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death– even death on a cross.  – Philippians 2:8

God has been working on my heart for 27 years now.  I have had such complete overhauls in the areas of lying, laziness, lust, self-discipline, foul language, and much, much more.  Each area was brought to the forefront of my mind for months, and in some cases for years.  Even then, it’s not like I just automatically never dealt with those sins again. It’s more like I had to maintain them much like pulling weeds in the flowerbed before they become a massive problem to deal with.

My son’s memory verse for the week included this section of Philippians 2:8. I have not been able to stop quoting it. I’ve meditated on it so much. After 27 years, God has begun to overhaul a major sin that I’ve carried for far too long . . . Pride.  I should have recognized this much, much sooner. The only stipulation I gave God before I gave my life to Him was, “Please don’t make me get in front of people and talk.”  I was terrified to speak in front of people.  I thought it was just fear . . . it was really pride.  I just didn’t want to look bad.

As I’ve pondered and pondered this, pride may be the grossest and most powerful of sins.  Pride led holy angels to rebel against their Creator.  Pride was the only thing that could penetrate the hearts of Adam & Eve. The serpent appealed to their pride, “you will be like God.”  Even in a state of sinless perfection, God’s creation rebelled against Him.

I am now seeing that if God will work this miracle in my heart, mind, and life, this is the absolute key to freedom.  I have often wondered how in the world Jesus kept from calling down fire and lightning from heaven on the religious Pharisees, especially after they had the gall to chastise Him after doing the greatest miracles mankind had ever seen.  Their words harmed Him not one bit.  He never once lost focus because He was perfectly humble.  I on the other hand, cannot take the least bit of criticism. I dwell on stuff that doesn’t matter like nobody’s business.  Why? Because I am the opposite of humble. I am loaded with pride.

Praise God I serve a God in the miracle working business.  He has changed so many things about me I know that at one point in time I would have told you was impossible.  Killing the massive amount of pride in me seems a monumental task, but not for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Lord, I ask for you to make me humble.  I place myself in your hands once more as a big clump of soft, moldable clay.  I ask you to breath your life and Holy Spirit into me.  Why should I ever care what men think if I am truly serving you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength?  You humbled yourself.  You left heaven.  You left perfection to come down here and show me how it is done.  Help me to crave a life of humility.  Help me be like you.  I don’t want to care what I look like in the eyes of men.  I just want to be conformed to your image.  There is no one like you. 

Amen