Is Life About Me or YOU?
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
ME: Is my life about me or You? I guess it must be You because I cannot strengthen myself, help myself and I do not have a righteous right hand. And I get fearful.
JESUS: You are correct dear child. You can do nothing to promote or increase My kingdom value without My knowledge and help.
ME: Then why do I feel good about the things that I do—like helping others, making a meal for a shut in, or sending a thinking-of-you card? Is it wrong to take pride in what I’ve accomplished?
JESUS: Where are these thoughts coming from?
ME: Well, Proverbs has a lot to say about this issue. Proverbs 11:2 says, After pride came, disgrace followed; but wisdom came with humility. and Proverbs 16:18 tells me: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. I don’t want to offend You with prideful arrogance.
JESUS: (laughing a hearty Jesus laugh) Precious child of Mine, this is not offensive to me. Just remember that it is Me working through you that makes all this happen. Alone you are nothing, but with Me, you can do great things.
ME: Sometimes Your strength surprises me – like when I sense someone needs a friend to talk to or they are struggling financially. The Spirit within me says “GO”! But Jesus, this is so far off my radar and out of my comfort zone. I feel fear and yet, I believe I’m hearing from You.
JESUS: What do you usually do with My directives?
ME: I try to be obedient. I ask for Your help in my responses to make sure I’m not being scammed or coerced by my enemy.
JESUS: …And then?
ME: When I know it’s really You, I cautiously move forward.
JESUS: Through Me, you have done as I asked. So why would it be wrong to feel joyful?
ME: Maybe I think too hard about some of this stuff.
JESUS: Yes, you do! I am pleased that you ponder these things, but give your thoughts a rest. I will let you know when you are headed off the track. Until then just enjoy the afterglow of good deeds.
Photo: Michael Johnston