From
Romans 12:1-16
H,
It is
complicated. Once you begin to think you are doing ‘humble’ things a huge
pride-bird lands on your shoulder. You are not actually doing it because you
are humble but to have the look of humility. It is like when you help someone
but cannot wait to tell someone else the good thing you have done. We are constantly
looking for validation in places that do not matter. It is not enough to be
good but to be seen with goodness as a bell round about our necks. It is not
enough to be looked at by God; we need to have the flaky eyes and hearts of
petty, vacillating and unrighteous human beings like us.
The apostle
Paul was brilliant in stating that he now ‘glories’ in mistakes, weaknesses,
soul defeats and setbacks. He understood where the glory lies on the human soul
is not the fake good look but the ugly true look. The grace of God applies
itself more readily to those who let their issues show. It is no wonder it is
so hidden in the Church buildings we spend Sunday mornings at. We are all
wearing too much make up.
We have
to let our wounds show. This is the realest thing there is. You can help no one
if you do not first dive deeply into the currents of God’s love and grace. That
is where you get the humility you need to serve others with a full heart. One glance
into the divine purity and you are not comparing yourselves with your fellow fickler.
You see this is a mighty heart you are being made into and it is hard and you
will fall and so will others and you learn compassion and unity and the need to
hold each other up.
This
is the mighty trick God has played. To those who like the idea of being
individuals and having their own say, He ties the personal decision to love Him
to the reality of being like Him and living for others. To those who are into
groupthink and ‘we are the world’ movements He ties the loving of others with
the grace that only comes with a personal relationship with Him. Both can do
none of that in perfection without grace and both will get the other gift they
do not have: individual spirits and a family of lights.