This post inspired from a sermon of my good friend Toney Stowers. I am perplexed sometimes when differentiating between confidence and pride. God loathes the prideful(1 Peter 5:5-6, Prov 11:2, James 4:6-7). I typically do not demonstrate or perhaps even possess a confident attitude. I do not want to be seen as prideful/brash/arrogant/egotistical. 2 Cor. 3:4-5, ‘Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God’. I now believe the prevalent factor to be in recognizing the source or origin of confidence. If we are narcissistic and see ourselves as in control and haughty of our abilities, we indeed minimize the true source. Appropriate confidence is realizing that God is the source, we praise/thank Him, and use the abilities given to serve Him. Perhaps the term ‘quiet confidence’ is applicable. A humble confidence that is in our God and Creator, not self. God enabling us to work through His power. No matter your level of confidence-it is not about you. I am an introvert that is quiet, laid back and reserved. The confidence I have is not outwardly expressed. I have been guilty of allowing my personality to direct my spiritual actions by not being bold and confident in sharing a precious gift that has been entrusted to me as a Christian-Jesus Christ. Shame on me! A lifelong work in progress. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Blessings
I recently read an interesting take on blessings-probably something I should have long heard/realized. We should never looking at a blessing as something given just for me. Perhaps we should always think two things...
1. Thank You God for entrusting this blessing to me. I know it is a gift from You.
2. How can I use this as an opportunity to bless someone else? The blessing will be more rewarding if it's not all about me.
Do these things come naturally? Not at first. Not in a 'me first/mine kind of world’. But we aren't called to live according to the norm, doing what comes naturally. We are called to rise above. Be set apart. Be different. Be pure in every way. "Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure" (1 John 3:3). Philippians 2:3-4 says, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. What blessing do you have that might need to be shared today? I know of the ultimate gift/blessing that I have that I need to better share with others-a relationship with Jesus. How often do you/I share this precious gift? Blessings in your pursuit…….TO
1. Thank You God for entrusting this blessing to me. I know it is a gift from You.
2. How can I use this as an opportunity to bless someone else? The blessing will be more rewarding if it's not all about me.
Do these things come naturally? Not at first. Not in a 'me first/mine kind of world’. But we aren't called to live according to the norm, doing what comes naturally. We are called to rise above. Be set apart. Be different. Be pure in every way. "Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure" (1 John 3:3). Philippians 2:3-4 says, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. What blessing do you have that might need to be shared today? I know of the ultimate gift/blessing that I have that I need to better share with others-a relationship with Jesus. How often do you/I share this precious gift? Blessings in your pursuit…….TO
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