Humble Huddle

FaithWalkDaily September 30, 2008

Rom 12:3-6
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. NIV

Isn't pride hindering each of us? What makes us angry when someone else gets the promotion we thought we should get? What makes me feel inferior when someone else gets an award? What is it that causes me to criticize another person? What makes me feel superior when another person stumbles? What makes me think I need a bigger house when my neighbor gets a room addition? Pride is an ever present companion and I've become so used to it, I hardly notice how it hinders my spiritual growth.

In remembering not to think of myself more highly than I ought, I can trust in my faith, that God has a plan uniquely crafted for my life. If I didn't get that award or promotion, it wasn't in God's plan. It's not that someone else is better or was favored over me, it's simply the way it is.

We are each members of a specific body - first the body of Christ. Then, on a smaller scale, the local body. And every single one - from the wealthiest and healthiest right down to the drooling, seizure plagued girl who cannot speak or participate - is figured into God's plans for His glory.

I'm reminded of the huddle in a football game - the way in which a team comes together to plan the next play. No man can make the play alone. Humbled in their huddle, each man submits his will to the whole team. We too need to gather in a humble huddle, seeking the Holy Spirit's plan.

We're all in this together. Let's not permit our pride to hinder our ability to grow in faith because we put our focus in the wrong direction. We belong to one another.

Lord Jesus, I submit all my pride to the foot of the cross. You've paid the price for that ugly sin and I no longer claim it for a refuge. Forgive me for holding on so tightly to my own ideals, my self-righteousness, my judgements, criticisms, and lack of forgiveness. Heal me O Lord, make me whole and holy; set apart to do Your will. Would I seek fist the kingdom of God and be grateful for whatever is bestowed on me or taken away. For You've assured me all things work to the good of those who love You and are called to Your purposes. There is nothing You haven't got a handle on. Here am I Lord, send me. Use me. Take this cracked vessel and seal it up with Your goodness and love, fill it with Your wisdom and mercy, and pour it out on the body to be used according to Your purposes. May I be content with my part, never trying to be more than I am or jealous of what others have. In Jesus' name, amen.