If ever you wonder how we are supposed to live, to please God, know that the bible is readily available to answer all your questions. But, since you are currently reading this, instead of the bible, I will give you a few key points.
God wants us to treat others as He would treat them. Fairly, just, compassionately and lovingly. There is no reason for anger, greed, lust, disdain or hatred towards others. Live for Christ and live AS Christ.
Humility is another trait the Lord requests of us. Putting yourself above another may make you feel good for a moment, but in the end your selfishness will turn on you. No one likes to be the "after thought" or the low man on the totem poll. We are all equal in God's eyes, and we should all treat each other as such. Remember, at the end of a game of chess, the King and the Pawn end up in the same box, neither one better than the other…
These are just a few simple life rules that should be obvious to live by. The Lord has plenty more to say, so don't just listen to what I have to say here…because much like you, I have PLENTY more to learn.
Mike, I love the reference to the king and pawn going in the same box. Very true. I love this topic that you wrote on this time. This was part of my journey while "up south on the hill" that I wanted deeply to learning--to learn humility and treat people in the way that Jesus did--without judgment, with love for each person and to leave every person better than when I found them.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult, I feel, to learn the balance between being humble and still having self-confidence--this is what I struggle with currently and am trying to learn that balance--any suggestions?
MemphisRain,
DeleteAs cliche as this sounds, prayer is key. If you are dealing with emotional demons, you can bounce ideas off people and converse face to face, but it is the power of the Holy Spirit that is going to change you.
There is nothing wrong with being confident, and as long as you know in your heart of hearts that you are being sincere and not arrogant, I don't think you have anything to worry about. It is easy to tell when someone is patting themselves on the back and it's just as easy to tell when they are being genuine.
Judgement is a trap that everyone falls into. Myself included. My pastor even spoke on judgement a few weeks ago and how he struggles with it. It's a snare that I don't think anyone is going to escape fully, but as long as you are doing your best and taking your woes to God, I think you will be just fine.
If you are worried about your appearance being genuine in front of other people, I would first ask if your relationship is genuine with God.
Sounds like you are on the right path, and I know you have a good head on your shoulders. Pick up the Good Book sometime, do some studying. I am a big advocate of being in the word regularly. There are a lot of answers in there.