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Am I humble enough?

[Christ Jesus] made himself nothing.
Philippians 2:7

While reflecting on the devotional below from Our Daily Bread, I remembered the time when my pride led to a lot of stress at work especially when I was working in Kuwait.

I had this feeling that I was better than some of my colleagues who were given greater consideration due to their nationality. This made it difficult for me to accept insignificant work from them which were not suitable to my post, but I was forced to do since that was the work culture there.

At other times, I generally had a feeling that I was good at work and did not consider some of my colleagues capable of doing as well.

This attitude led to a lot of mental stress and complexes. I did not need to think like that. I could have done my work as I would have done for God and ignored any other issues. I could have also considered that all of us have something positive given by God irrespective of our differences.

Even now, I have the habit of arguing thinking that I am right when it is equally possible that the other person is right.

Our Lord Jesus humbled Himself so much for us when He had all the power in the world. He had no ego, pride or issues when He was mocked at and crucified.

When He humbly accepted His situation, how silly it was for me to stress over such petty issues.

Thank you Lord for showing this to me. Help me to change my attitude and to be humble always.

As the American Revolution concluded with England’s improbable surrender, many politicians and military leaders maneuvered to make General George Washington a new monarch. The world watched, wondering if Washington would stick to his ideals of freedom and liberty when absolute power was within his grasp. England’s King George III saw another reality, however. He was convinced that if Washington resisted the power pull and returned to his Virginia farm, he would be “the greatest man in the world.” The king knew that the greatness evidenced in resisting the allure to power is a sign of true nobility and significance.
Paul knew this same truth and encouraged us to follow Christ’s humble way. Even though Jesus was “in very nature God,” he “did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (Philippians 2:6). Instead, He surrendered His power, became “a servant” and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death” (vv. 7-8). The One who held all power surrendered every bit of it for the sake of love.
And yet, in the ultimate reversal, God exalted Christ from a criminal’s cross “to the highest place” (v. 9). Jesus, who could demand our praise or force us to be obedient, laid down His power in a breathtaking act that won our worship and devotion. Through absolute humility, Jesus demonstrated true greatness, turning the world upside down.
REFLECT & PRAY
Thank You, Jesus, that in Your most destitute and (seemingly) disgraceful moment, You demonstrated Your true power and greatness.
By Winn Collier

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Taking loved one for granted …

A wise man’s heart guides his mouth.
Proverbs 16:23

I definitely take my husband and child for granted.

I do not consider their feelings and emotions as much as I do for others.

I do not keep adjusting for them as much as I do for others.

I am guilty of “split vision” as they call it.

Outwardly, I am a kind, patient person with a smile on my face. No one can guess the pain and exhaustion that I endure due to my fibromyalgia.

However, when my sister pointed out this character in me, my daughter told me that I am indeed such a person to others, but not so much at home in front of her and my husband.

I was ashamed of myself on hearing this and today’s article reiterates the need for change.

If I am able to be patient with others, I should be able to be patient with my family also.

In saying so, let me say that I am not very nasty or rude at home, but I do need be more patient.

Below is the message that inspired me.

Split Vision
Isn’t it curious how in the midst of a nasty family argument we can shake our bad mood the instant the telephone rings or a neighbor knocks on the door? Have you ever been brought up short by a small voice questioning such a sudden turn to peaches and cream after twenty minutes of fire and brimstone? Sometimes we treat those we love the worst, and kids are quick to recognize this hypocrisy.
Mark Hatfield, a longtime senator from Oregon and the father of four, said his wife once stung him by saying, “I just wish you were as patient with your children as you are with your constituents.” He isn’t alone. We’re all guilty at times of what might be called “split vision”— treating acquaintances with forbearance while losing patience or even heaping contempt on those under our own roof. We assume the worst. We pounce on every shortcoming. We never miss an opportunity to harangue. In the process, we wound the people we care about most.
It’s time we cut one another a little slack at home. If we say our spouses, children, and parents are the most significant people in our lives, we can prove it by showing them the same kindnesses we would bestow on our most honored guests.
Just between us…
Are we as patient with each other at home as we are with guests and strangers?
Why do you think we can be so hard on each other?
How can we encourage each other to avoid this kind of “split vision”?
Father, open our eyes to see one another the way You do. Forgive us for the laziness and selfishness that so easily sour our family relationships. Help us guard our words and actions so that we may be pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

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Appearances and Reality

Before I start, I would like to thank you for reading my post. I have always had this urge to do something for God. I am not good at public speaking. So a blog to share my thoughts seemed to be a good idea. Since I am not sure if my writings can be interesting or useful, I have been hesitant to write, sometimes lazy also, but then I decided that if I can touch even one person’s life it will be something that I am able to do for God.

Thank You!!

When I started a new job as Management Representative, my new colleagues seemed to be very friendly. I was comfortable and happy. I was under the impression that any work related instructions that I gave were accepted without any personal prejudice since I was just communicating on behalf of the management.

One day one of my colleagues who was planning to resign told me to be careful. It seemed that the others who had already established their own comfortable routine did not want me there and were planning on ways to pressure me to resign. To cut the story short, I held on for three years since I had the support of the management, but I had to eventually resign since getting uncooperative people to do their work was very stressful mentally.

It’s amazing how appearances can be so deceptive. I have seen many instances where outwardly, people seem very friendly and loving, but inside they are filled with jealousy and spite.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Romans 12:9

I have a facebook friend who is very kind, sweet and friendly. All the people who meet her say that she is very innocent and nice. She has unfriended me, but still behaves lovingly and guilelessly.

There are many similar examples. Seeing them, I became afraid to even talk openly to people. I generally talk a lot. When people ask me a personal question I generally give all details. However, if I ask some of my relatives a question, they give a one-word answer, cut me off and then start asking me questions.

There was a time when I used to be all muddled up and even afraid to meet or talk to people, not knowing whom to believe.

Now I have accepted that people are different. I just need to be genuine. There is no need to analyse anyone’s intention. I am not anyone to judge others. God knows the inner workings of our hearts. He knows me and that’s all I need to keep in mind.

Thank you Lord Jesus that you are genuine and your love never fails. I do not have to be afraid since I know that you are with me.

Let me conclude with the following quote from Oswald Chambers:

Sincerity means that the appearance and the reality are exactly the same.