“Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” 1 Samuel 9:21
How can a believer in Jesus finish well? Can we honor God, shine brightly in these dark days, and stay the course in a culture opposed to Jesus?
Saul, started with a humble heart. He started well, but then began one decision at a time, to take matters into his own hands. Little by little, he moved away from having a humble heart. So sad! How does this happen? How can someone who was so obviously saved by grace, start to walk and talk like they did it themselves? Often, it starts with someone challenging them. It starts with a feeling of being wronged and a sense of right to justice and an idea that they are the ones to bring that JUSTICE about. What a mistake!
This story paints this picture well, “In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a technology problem like radar malfunction–or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.”
What about you? Would those around you characterize you as humble? Are you someone that humbles himself before the Lord day by day?
Truly, STAY HUMBLE OR YOU WILL STUMBLE.
By His Spirit,
Pastor Bill