Pride

When I was a little girl, there was a movie on the Arabic Christian channel NourSat about the life of ST. Francis. At one point, the movie tells the story of when ST. Francis handmade a basket. He was so proud of that basket and so happy that he had made it. A few scenes later he was seen burning it. If I remember correctly, when he was asked why, he explained that this basket was the cause of his pride. Pride took him away from God and pointed to him instead. 

A few days ago I asked God to help me be more humble. I asked Him to do so gently because I know sometimes events shock us to the point of  humility. Then gently, like a whisper in the wind the opportunity came. Today I am given a chance to chose humility or to chose anger and pride, the first contributes to my sanctification and the second leads me away. By the grace of God the choice was apparent, hard, but apparent. 

The choice is made, but that led to a series of questions. I am currently working on several evangelization projects. Am I ready to relinquish control over my ideas? When the time comes will I be able to present my gifts at the alter and walk away? 

My pride says no, but my heart is willing.

The point today is that sometimes we come up with ideas and we begin to worship them. We get married to an idea that it becomes hard for us to give it to God so that He may do with it as He pleases.

After all he said, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24 

For our lives to be fruitful, we must be ready to relinquish control, so that the kernel will fall and die and produce. 
‘Otherwise, you might say in your heart“It is my own power and the strength of my own hand that has got me this wealth. Remember then the LORD, your God, for he is the one who gives you the power to get wealth, by fulfilling, as he has now done, the covenant he swore to your ancestors. But if you do forget the LORD, your God, and go after other gods, serving and bowing down to themI bear, I witness to you this day that you will perish utterly.” Deuteronomy 8:17-19.

Even our most brilliant ideas are a grace granted through him. To Him all the glory belongs otherwise “pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverb 16:18

Today, I invite you to reflect on areas in your life where you have acted with pride and consider where that pride led you. 

My brothers and sisters I love you, please pray for me!

Thank you,
R.A.S.