We’re Not All That!

My wife and I were trying to enjoy a meal today, but there were two gentlemen nearby having a conversation. I tried not to listen in, but they were fairly loud and every now and then it just caught me off guard. They were young enough that they probably could still played some sports, but I am guessing nowhere near as well as they once did (at least not without getting injuries). The way the one many in particular talked, they sounded like a group of young kids trying desperately to make people believe they were more than they were. The one spoke of how well he played basketball. Maybe he was good. He actually criticized the professional players saying that they weren’t playing that well. He actually declared that he was better than the professionals and then proceeded to describe how well he play. With an ego as big as he had, even if he was that good, I am convinced he would have played for both the personal glory and the money. I don’t think he could have helped himself. He wasn’t quite as boastful about his golfing ability compared to the professionals, but he stated how he was better than those he played with. I don’t believe humility was one of his strong suits. I know of pastors that get together where each one is trying to indicate how their church is doing better than most. I know of parishners that want others to see how good they are doing. (I also know of parishners that faithfully serve that consider it a privilege to serve God and are not doing it for praise). In the end, we have to understand that no matter how we try to sell ourselves as better than we are, we cannot deceive God. I saw an interesting quote that said, “Acting perfect in church is like dressing up for an x-ray”. We are called to humble ourselves and come like a little child before God, not with a list of why God should love us, but an unshakeable faith that He does. We understand we don’t have to have everything figured out in order to love and serve God. Pretending that we are perfect or don’t have an overwhelming need for God’s mercy and forgiveness is pure foolishness and actually holds us back from experiencing true healing. As Paul says, “If we boast, we are to boast in the Lord”. I’m not all that. Father, I don’t want to be forced to my knees, but I also don’t want to walk in pride and foolishness. Help us, Lord. Amen