How to be first with God

When stressed I find myself tempted to let grace be overcome by an attitude that projects one message: ‘just get out of my way.’ Recently while I was working through concerns that are arising out of my mother’s illness, I found that temptation coming on strong. I thought - “Why can’t they just get it?” Of course, ‘it’ is seeing things my way. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit reminded me that humility is the godly course in such moments. The Proverbs pierced my pretentions with unadorned truth. On this matter I read that "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." (Proverbs 12:15, NIV)

The most foolish person can convince himself he is the smartest man in the world. The result is multiplied folly and a string of regrettable decisions. So what can we do? Here’s the Word wisdom about this: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3, NIV) The choice to humble one’s self, to choose to accept the challenge of living in love produces the possibility for an outcome we all like – unity! We must remember that everyone reacts to life differently because of their experiences, their temperament, their convictions and biases, their emotional state, and their maturity. As followers of Christ Jesus, we work to stay engaged with one another, we work through our differing ideas, we keep trying to communicate through the fog that would cause us to hear the words but miss the message.

Are you in a situation where tension is rising? Are you feeling stress that is making you circle the wagons into a defensive perimeter? Take it to Jesus in prayer. Ask Him to give new grace, to let you engage with those who would oppose you with gentle humility.

Here’s a little story with a big lesson. I pray that this word from the Word will bless you today, as it blessed me, with a reminder of humility.

"After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?”
But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.

He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” (Mark 9:33-37, NLT)