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Christianity was supposed to be about becoming like Jesus. | |
We went in the wrong direction. |
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Christian Pioneer - eBook for Cell Phone The Traditional Christian's Guide to the Family in Modern Times |
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| Humility It might have been surprising to Elijah that he could be replaced by any one of 7,000 people (1Kings 19:18). It also might be somewhat humbling to hear that we are “worth” many sparrows (Matt 10:31). We can see ourselves as having intrinsic value, value to others, and value to God. These various valuations can be inflated and the source of many pleasurable sensations. While people can have an undervalued view of themselves, it is much more common for people to over value themselves (Rom 12:3). Even Job after much suffering laments the loss of privileged status that might be seen as bringing to the surface some pride in chapter 29. In chapter 38 God asks Job where he was when God laid the foundations of the earth. This is an interesting question because it frames our relationship with God (the maker versus the thing made). As we grow in wisdom and understanding as well as our perception of truth, humility should be the natural by-product. The world advocates boosting the self-esteem of children. This is often seen as good advice because it makes everyone feel good. However, the pursuit of pleasant sensations is not always beneficial as many drug addicts and alcoholics can attest. A child may benefit more from an honest assessment of how well they are improving as opposed to praise for any accomplishment. Many see pride as thinking too highly of oneself. Some might think that one should counter pride by thinking too “lowly" of themselves. This might be seen as a false humility.It might be more accurate to consider that humility is more an absence of self. The Christian life is not so much the suppression of self, but rather the transcendence of self (2Cor 5:15). As self diminishes, humility grows. Parents often struggle with this themselves. However, helping children overcome their own natural selfishness can give them quite an advantage in life. Many parents think that worldly success and achievement is the path to “success” for their children. Sadly, this often inflates pride and ambition. Selflessness is key to love which in turn is key to relationships of all kinds (us with each other and with God). Sometimes even one’s approach to Christianity paints them into a corner of pride. The declaration of absolute doctrine can leave little room to accommodate correction. Even learning can be stifled. If our approach is about being “right”, we can fall into the trap of pride. If our approach is Christ-likeness, we can all feel humbled by how far we need to go. |
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Information about Christianity and the Christian life. |
Pictures and views of our farm | Some of our animals | See some of the old-fashioned crafts we are trying to relearn | ||