I admit it, I'm a discontent person all too often.
In fact, I'm probably don't even realize how bad it is. But for me, I'm not discontent about the things you might immediately think of when considering this subject. Sure, I'm a guy, so I would enjoy having a nicer car. I'm also married, so I sometimes wish I had a nicer home to provide for my wife. But I usually don't struggle much with longing for personal possessions.
So, what can you be discontent about then, you ask? So much.
The thing I'm most discontent about is usually where God has brought me in life. I'm always a forward-thinker. I'm always thinking ahead to "what could be" and how to get there. But you know that old saying about slowing down to smell the roses? I think it was written about me. I really need to slow down.
Nothing is good enough for me, sometimes. I want what I don't have, and then when I get the things I want, they are no longer enough either. But they aren't physical. They usually have to do with vocation or people noticing me for something I've done well.
I seriously hate getting praise. If you know me, you may have noticed how hard it is for me to look at someone in the eyes when they praise me. I'm not humble. Don't let me fool you. I just know that I need to take that praise and throw it past me to God before it sticks to me and becomes a huge burden. My ego's weight could sometimes sink a battleship.
I thank God for my loving wife who keeps me humble. I thank God for being a constant source of humility. I need it so much. I mentally recognize my inability to do anything good. I know that I can't achieve anything apart from the grace and mercy of God who empowers me. But it doesn't change my struggle.
So maybe you're in the same boat. Maybe you struggle with the same things. Keep fighting. Keep your eyes on God. And admit your failures. I'm the biggest screw-up I know. You gotta know it. You gotta own it. And you gotta kill it.
Question: How can we effectively fight against our pride? How can we win?
In fact, I'm probably don't even realize how bad it is. But for me, I'm not discontent about the things you might immediately think of when considering this subject. Sure, I'm a guy, so I would enjoy having a nicer car. I'm also married, so I sometimes wish I had a nicer home to provide for my wife. But I usually don't struggle much with longing for personal possessions.
So, what can you be discontent about then, you ask? So much.
The thing I'm most discontent about is usually where God has brought me in life. I'm always a forward-thinker. I'm always thinking ahead to "what could be" and how to get there. But you know that old saying about slowing down to smell the roses? I think it was written about me. I really need to slow down.
Nothing is good enough for me, sometimes. I want what I don't have, and then when I get the things I want, they are no longer enough either. But they aren't physical. They usually have to do with vocation or people noticing me for something I've done well.
I seriously hate getting praise. If you know me, you may have noticed how hard it is for me to look at someone in the eyes when they praise me. I'm not humble. Don't let me fool you. I just know that I need to take that praise and throw it past me to God before it sticks to me and becomes a huge burden. My ego's weight could sometimes sink a battleship.
I thank God for my loving wife who keeps me humble. I thank God for being a constant source of humility. I need it so much. I mentally recognize my inability to do anything good. I know that I can't achieve anything apart from the grace and mercy of God who empowers me. But it doesn't change my struggle.
So maybe you're in the same boat. Maybe you struggle with the same things. Keep fighting. Keep your eyes on God. And admit your failures. I'm the biggest screw-up I know. You gotta know it. You gotta own it. And you gotta kill it.
Question: How can we effectively fight against our pride? How can we win?
