Contemplation #28
Humility and Peace
So much dissatisfaction in life can be traced to our unmet expectations. When we are not treated well, in the way we deserve, it causes us to be hurt and resentful. Often we become angry over how we are mistreated. There is no peace in life but only a much too long record of injustices suffered.
Humility necessitates that we be mindful of our lowliness and consider mistreatment to be our rightful lot. Anything good is an undeserved grace. In this way humility introduces peace into our lives, not through changing our circumstances or what we experience, but in helping us to be thankful for the underserved good we receive rather than resentful regarding the lack of what we think we are owed.
Contemplation #29
How do we become humble? It is only through the work of God in our lives – and this work is a breaking of our pride. Our stubbornness, willfulness, rebellious nature, and desire for self-direction are all the natural fruits of pride and these God will remove through breaking our pride.
How do you suppose you will become humble except by being humbled? This is the part we resist. Is there not another way? Can we not learn humility in a classroom? Is it learned only through humbling experiences? Yes, only in being brought low does God make us familiar with humility, and so we begin to experience an affinity with Christ. The humble savior, servant of all, is the One we meet in humbling circumstances.
Contemplation #30
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” Proverbs 16:18-19.
Prayer: O Lord, teach us the way of humility so that we will see the wisdom of these words. May we so value humility that we would choose it in oppression rather than to share in wealth with those who are proud.
Humility and Peace
So much dissatisfaction in life can be traced to our unmet expectations. When we are not treated well, in the way we deserve, it causes us to be hurt and resentful. Often we become angry over how we are mistreated. There is no peace in life but only a much too long record of injustices suffered.
Humility necessitates that we be mindful of our lowliness and consider mistreatment to be our rightful lot. Anything good is an undeserved grace. In this way humility introduces peace into our lives, not through changing our circumstances or what we experience, but in helping us to be thankful for the underserved good we receive rather than resentful regarding the lack of what we think we are owed.
Contemplation #29
How do we become humble? It is only through the work of God in our lives – and this work is a breaking of our pride. Our stubbornness, willfulness, rebellious nature, and desire for self-direction are all the natural fruits of pride and these God will remove through breaking our pride.
How do you suppose you will become humble except by being humbled? This is the part we resist. Is there not another way? Can we not learn humility in a classroom? Is it learned only through humbling experiences? Yes, only in being brought low does God make us familiar with humility, and so we begin to experience an affinity with Christ. The humble savior, servant of all, is the One we meet in humbling circumstances.
Contemplation #30
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” Proverbs 16:18-19.
Prayer: O Lord, teach us the way of humility so that we will see the wisdom of these words. May we so value humility that we would choose it in oppression rather than to share in wealth with those who are proud.
posted by Greg at 11:21 AM
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