One of my favorite all time lines from William Wallace in Braveheart, is when he is speaking to Isabella, the princess of Wales, She is complimenting him on his new status of having been given the rank of knighthood. William Wallace replies with, "I have been given nothing. God makes men what they are." There isn't a stronger position a person can take but to know where you have been given your existence.
As I read today in my bible about John the Baptist, John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease." He must become greater, I must become less. This sounds like a recipe for...how to avoid the pitfalls of pride. John's humility is quite remarkable when you consider the human dynamics. Who doesn't want to receive adulation? He has been faithful to do what God put before him, right? Doesn't he deserve to be praise?...rewarded for his faithfulness? Yeah...I said that! Oh my, have we forgotten who gave us our very existence? Yes, we are faithful... and yes, we are obedient to serve out what God has put before us. Let us not forget Who has given us the privilege. Let's look to God for our rewards not man. Stay focused on Christ.
I am personally realigning my life with this scripture: May Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
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