3 Words in 1

Fix your eyes on Jesus

Fixing our eyes on Jesus versus fixating on our inadequacies and shortcomings completely changes our focus.

We are freed from our unending introspective struggle to perfect self. Instead we find ourselves more interested in the lives of others.

While we were once slaves begrudgingly fulfilling acts of obligation for what we envisioned as a tyrannical cosmic ruler, we are now partners eager to respond the one who wooed our hearts with the kind of love that defies even the wildest of imaginations!

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The Prideful Heart

A prideful heart reveals more than an arrogant and haughty attitude. It reveals a mind which has been given over to erroneous thinking.

• Are you proud of your height? Who made you that specific height?
• Are you proud of the features of your body or your face? (Outside of plastic surgery) Who made you that way?
• Are you proud of your beautiful hair color? Who gave it to you?
• Perhaps you are proud of your intellect. Who instilled in you a sound mind?
• Or maybe you you’re proud of your education. Who gave you the skills, abilities and means to get an education?
• Maybe it is the monetary success you’ve had. Who blessed you with the ability to earn money?

The list goes on.

Now, closer to home for those in the Christian faith…

• Are you proud of your rigid self-discipline? Who gave you that?

• Are you proud of your many spiritual gifts? Who gave them to you (and for what purpose)?

• Are you proud of your prayer life? Who gave you a heart for prayer?

• Are you proud of the amount of time you spend in the Word? Who gave you the ability to understand it and a hunger to receive it?

• Are you proud of your faith? Did you earn it or was it a gift?

The list above is short by comparison to the many reasons that people find to be proud of “self.” Yet self would not exist had we not been formed in our mother’s wombs by divine hands. Self would not be given attributes had they not been bestowed upon us in grace. Self would have no gifts. Self would not be self without the very hand of God. Maybe this morning you are proud of yourself for one of the reasons above or for a different reason altogether. Now, ask yourself honestly, “What part did I have to play in it?” The building block of all things we form an attitude of superiority over comes from God.

Before He was anything else, the LORD was Creator. We were not meant to live with hearts of pride but with humble hearts always acknowledging Him for the gifts and attributes bestowed upon us. When we take ownership of these things we are stealing His glory. When we take ownership we are PROUD and the LORD says that He will humble us.

Better to bend the knee before Him now and give Him honor and glory for what He has done than to be crushed beneath the heavy weight of His hand.

Lay down your pride for the one who laid down His life.

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted,” Matthew 23:12.

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What is it like to be a child of God?

What is it like to be a child of God? For so long I thought only of the things I would give up. I thought of what would not be permitted.

It is said, “Outsiders only see God’s law while insiders recognize His deep love.” It was true of me. I have not found a recipe for perfection, but I have found that God is trustworthy and faithful.

The question that we have to ask ourselves is, “Is He 100% trustworthy?” I mean, 99.9999% doesn’t seem that bad, until we are faced with doubt. Then we find ourselves wondering, “Is this the .0001% of the time where I can’t rely on Him?”

Each of us must choose for ourselves. The God I know leaves no room for doubt. I have learned that He is the reliable one. He is the trustworthy one. If it is a choice of whose will should be done (mine or His), the wise choice is always, “HIS!”

 

~ Mitch Salmon

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Mitch Salmon is the founder of Fisher of Men Productions and a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the Good News – The Gospel of Christ Jesus!