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Theme of the Week: Who's Number One?
Patrick Morley
Friday, March 5, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Bonus Reading:James 4: 7–10)
One day I purchased a new car, one of less prestige and value than the European import I had driven for six years.
I traded down because driving my import always produced ambivalence. I loved that car, but when I drove it, I constantly fought the temptation of pride. When I would ease to a halt at a traffic light, I would sometimes scoff at the inferior brand X idling next to me.
Sometimes, when my spirit had already been pummeled by other trials, I would glance over to the fellow waiting at the light next to me. A cauldron of smugness would boil inside.
I drive my new car in total peace and relaxation, free from the temptation to wrongful pride. While I drove the expensive car to which I was excessively devoted, I was blind to how consuming pride's cycle of temptation and sin was in my life. I was blind and excessive, but I did not see how deep the vein of idolatry ran.
Whereas I did not comprehend pride's grip when I lived so close to the boiling point, when I got away from the stove I saw it clearly.
—Patrick Morley in Walking with Christ in the Details of Life
My Response: Are any of my possessions or gifts tempting me to think too highly of myself?
Thought to Apply: Hate pride, flee from it, abhor it, do not let it dwell with you!
—C. H. Spurgeon (English Baptist preacher)
Adapted from Walking with Christ in the Details of Life (Zondervan, 1990) by permission.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
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Lord, help me to remember your ultimate example of humility. May this example allow me to put others' considerations ahead of my own.
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