Tag Archives: humility

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What’s your Titanic?

The Titanic sank 106 years ago this week. Approximately 1,500 of the 2,200 passengers died when the cruise ship hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912. It’s considered to be the biggest maritime disaster in history.

The ship had been designed to be indestructible, but five compartments were punctured by the iceberg and the entire ship sank in a little over two hours.

Pride and overconfidence can create a Titanic situation in our own lives.

I sometimes get too comfortable in my own skin. Perhaps it’s a streak of success at home or work, or maybe it’s a sense of pride that I feel in my own abilities.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Inevitably, I then experience a “bump” that exposes my weaknesses. Life brings events that us that knock us down and can crush our spirit.

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

The key to life is keeping a humble spirit….a prayerful, grateful spirit that guides our thoughts and activities.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11

Spending time in God’s word keeps us centered and humble. If we make our daily walk with Jesus our first priority, we will be better prepared to deal with life’s Titanic “bumps.”

My prayer this weekend is to willingly let go of any pockets of pride in my life. I desire an attitude of service, love and humility.

And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

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I’m the greatest…I think.

fishing

I remember a situation that happened over twenty years ago.  My supervisor asked me to represent him at a state-wide meeting in Nashville.  I was just going over to take notes for him, but I was so honored to be asked to represent my office.  I was proud to be recognized for my work- and I felt as if this was a “reward” for my efforts at the office.

Imagine my surprise, however, when I was called upon to give remarks on behalf of my boss and the work of my office.  There I stood- in the middle of a crowded room- stammering and tripping over my words.  I was unprepared to make a talk that day and I left the meeting embarrassed and with a healthy dose of regret.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.  Proverbs 11:2

It was a great lesson for me (and a long ride back to Knoxville).

Has this ever happened to you?  We feel self-sufficient and overly confident in our ability to handle life.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.  Romans 12:3

We need a grounded approach to life.  We must continually examine our lives for shortcomings and ways to improve.  We all need a dose of humility every now and then.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  Luke 14:11

My prayer for this week is for us to have humble hearts…and look for ways to lift others up.

Please let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

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