Mike and Illene are back from Colorado. That’s just great. Now Mike will start reading scripture from the pulpit for the worship services. That’s just great. Mike’s voice is so deep, whenever I hear him read the Bible I know it’s God. That’s just great. The problem is that I have to preach after Mike reads the scripture and my voice sounds like a Muppet with a head cold. That’s not great.
I used to believe I had a manly authoritative voice. Then I listened to one of our radio broadcasts. Whoever was preaching the sermon I had written had a whiny, nasally, irritating voice. It was really hard to listen to. Then I realized it was me.
I was so shocked and dismayed; I asked Shannon if I really sounded like that. She said I did. That was not a good day for our marriage.
The point is, in biblical terms, the scales fell from my eyes. I heard my voice for what it really was and I was unimpressed. The same can be said for my spiritual life.
Every so often, I slip into this mode of thinking I am a super Christian. I read the Bible often, pray a lot, do good deeds, tithe, care for others, teach, preach, visit people in the hospital, counsel others, the list of wonderful things I do goes on and on and on…..I really am something.
But every so often God lets me see the truth. It’s not pretty.
Too often I fail to do God’s will. My ego is the exact same size as a dump truck. I would much rather pray about me than others. In fact, now that I think about it, my will usually comes before God’s. Like I said, it’s an ugly picture.
But as hard as it is to see the truth, it is necessary if I am going to grow into the person God wishes me to be. I have a long way to go.
Jesus tells the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector who go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee proudly stands before God and says, “God, I am as good as it gets. You’ve got to be impressed with me.” But the tax collector looks down, beats his breast and humbly prays, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Jesus says, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
The way of the humble is the way to God. There’s no room for ego.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, do whatever you have to do to make me the person you created me to be. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
The only super Christian died on a cross two thousand years ago. The rest of us have a long way to go.
Thank God I still have my looks.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 