The Source of Unpredictability?

"Sin has made the foundation of our thinking unpredictable, uncontrollable, and irrational."
~Oswald Chambers

Such a simple truth to remember and focus our efforts. In studying life and the world around us: every human frailty, every broken heart, every mourning moment for a loved one lost, we're challenged to explain all these things through one simple word.

Understanding root cause is an efficient process for solving repeating problems. Seldom is the process as simple as observing sin's effect in our lives. Why do we not hate sin always? Oswald speaks a very profound truth. At the core, our thinking and reasoning is flawed. No matter our IQ, pedigree, alma mater, or occupation, we will always struggle to recognize sin's effect on our personal worldview. Although we closely inspect our exterior in the mirror, our colored glasses filter out glaring patches of sin occurring in the most obvious of locations.

When we watch a married man or woman in adultery vehemently defend his or her actions, we begin to gain an understanding of how greatly sin can redirect our actions and thoughts. Reading the news of a suicide bomber giving his or her life in hopes of martyrdom should wrench our hearts. Why do we not hate sin. Hate it. Why do we see the effects everyday, and knowingly harbor areas we haven't given up?

Lord help me to remember your pain, your plan, and my sin.

How Quickly We Fall

Yesterday-
After beginning my day with a meditation on the perils of pride, I must say I was disgusted to exhibit the very vice I prayed to avoid. The processes of hiring and review in modern business bring about a bit of a conundrum... The writing of a resume and subsequent interview process is rife with opportunities for self-proclamation.

On thoughts of an impending review, I found myself more than ready to drag another friend down and emphasize my own importance in a conversation with a peer. Knowing this particular peer would be part of my yearly review process, I unflinchingly pursued an opportunity to level the playing field.

My methodology may have veiled the removal of credit from my friend as I argued for shared successes among leadership, but my heart's desire was not for team celebration... I guess I'm encouraged by how cut I was by realization of the sin, but still frustrated to see in myself such a ready embrace of the most serious human pitfall.

I believe I must confess this to my friend.

To Be a Saint...

"For you to say, "Oh, I’m no saint," is acceptable by human standards of pride, but it is unconscious blasphemy against God."
~Oswald Chambers

I wonder if maintaining the balance between proclaimed humility and an appearance of false sincerity should even be a balance in my mind? I have a friend who rarely misses an opportunity to proclaim: "I've never done anything good by myself in my life..." I'm ready with a phrase to let folks know, "I'm more blessed than I deserve..." Are the two really that different?

False modesty seems a self-presentation with an amazing ability to turn others off, and perhaps worse, cause questioning of one's true intentions. It does seem, however, that the heart of my friend comes through each and every time he foreshadows a story of his dependence on Christ. An opportunity to speak of the ultimate humility of God, is an opportunity to speak the salvation story to someone.

"8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!"
~Philippians 2: 8

"5 Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,

6 who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?"
~Psalm 113: 5 - 6

What is my mindset in the times I quickly proclaim my blessing? If I'm honest, all too often I'm speaking a reflection of my self-reliance and pride.

Lord that I might have in mind the way your story of humility has given me the ultimate unearned reward. I pray my heart would understand and savor the gift of salvation and my actions each and every day would reflect thankfulness and a sincere appreciation of what it is to be called a 'saint.'