I Want To Talk About Me

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd October 1, 2015 - Filed in Devotional - 11,224 views
  If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Philippians 2:1 WEB
  
  After two decades of data-center level computer-networking experience, someone pushed me aside to show me how to re-install a simple program at church one day. There were many thoughts that ran through my head, sadly not one was good. To put it nicely I thought something like: 'If this idio' er' these people had any idea what I know, they would not have done that.' Eventually they got the program installed, though it pained me to watch them fumble about when I knew exactly what needed to be done.
  
  Later, as I was thinking this over, it made no sense for me to be bothered by this. Someone else stepping in to help should be appreciated, even welcomed. Now I can go sit down with my wife and enjoy the service, but that was not what I was thinking at the time. We like to be noticed, respected, important, needed, in the spotlight. I want to talk about me and how much I know and what I am going to do. Needless to say, I had some repenting to do and felt like a prize idiot for thinking that way.
  
  God wants us to be balanced. Many of you think too little of yourself and God wants you to know that is wrong. He loves you, delights in you, and formed you in your mother's womb (Psa. 139:13). You were no accident, but carefully planned through the centuries. If a single person in your family line had died before their time, you would not be here today. He has carefully prepared for you to live in this time, and He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Do not think too little of yourself, and do not waste the time that He has given you.
  
  I came up as white trash, a despised step-child in abject poverty. In total, I had nine dads and three moms and by the time they were done, enough step-brothers and sisters to populate a small town. Somehow I was always the youngest one there and most referred to me as 'Robert's boy' or 'Carolyn's son.' Many never bothered to learn my name. I can tell you in intricate detail what an unwanted child feels like.
  
  But God cannot use someone that will not let Him because of their 'unworthiness' and soon after I came to know the Lord personally, He began to build me up, so that later He could raise me up. He does not want us to look down on ourselves or our past. It is a new day and the old has passed away. He can use me, He can use you. Eventually the Lord brought me up to balance, but I began to like my new self a lot, and then He had to bring me back down. He is faithful to bring discipline when needed (Hebrews 12:7).
  
  It is so obvious looking backwards that God wanted to bring things into balance. He brings the lowly up, He brings the prideful down. At church that day He brought some more deep-rooted pride and selfish ambition to the surface. Their actions may not have been right, but I am only responsible for my actions, not theirs. Resist the temptation to always talk about yourself. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent (Proverbs 17:28). Let others push you aside and then enjoy the free time. They can work on all the computers in the world now (except mine), and I would happily let them.
  
  Prayer: Father please bring my life and my view of myself into balance. Help me be grounded and stable in You. Give me a clear vision of what You have for me and help me live my life to the fullest in Your presence, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: Good morning! For any who would like to join the FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) chat tonight, it will be taking place at 7pm EST (6pm CST / 5pm MST / 4pm PST)! The chat will be for an hour, so be sure to note the time zone :). Just click on the "Chat" link on the site menu at that time and select the FAAD room from the "Browse Chatrooms" button. Have a blessed day :)!