Topic:  Pride

Scripture:

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.

(NIV) Philippians 2:14

Observations:

Paul is encouraging us as Christians to do everything we can without grumbling or arguing.  In fact, just a few scriptures above this in verse 3-4 it tells us: 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  I believe there is an important connection here.  You see when  we focus only on ourselves, often times that's how grumbling and arguments begin, the reason being is because we are trying to satisfy our needs and our interest only and not others... 

Application:

When we find our "fuse" running short, it may be that the word "I"  (or pride) is too high on the list instead of valuing others above ourselves.  We may be looking at our own interest instead of others.  This area of putting others first takes an intentional act of practice on our part.  I know we all can get better at this, including me...

Prayer:

Lord help us all as Christians to be mindful of our pride that we may sometimes get entangled in. Thank you Holy Spirit ahead of time for reminding us of this to keep us humble.  Forgive us Lord when we go off track, bring us back in Your Love.....in Jesus Name...Amen.