Monday, March 21, 2011

Sidetracked


Have you ever been sidetracked? Beginning a project with the right intentions, only to find yourself miles off course when you start to evaluate things? I'll be the first one to admit my guilt. As an inspirational/devotional writer, I'm serious about pointing readers to the Lord. Sharing His love and holiness. Yet sometimes, my thought pattern shifts. I'm ashamed to say it, but I get distracted by things that will promote me more than my God.


Satan's deception is subtle. I may still be conveying Bible truths, yet I become more concerned with building my platform than seeing people pointed to the Savior. When I start down the wrong path, my steps begin to slide. Consider what led to Satan's removal from heaven: "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God...I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High," (Isaiah 14:13a, 14; KJV). What arrogance! Yet every time I call the shots and focus on self-promotion, I'm responding just like Satan - focusing on my desires instead of the will of my Heavenly Father.


Being aware of the problem is half the battle. I'm thankful for a God who is slow to become angry and who is extremely merciful. He loves me and is just waiting for me to run back to Him. His Word reveals these truths, "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy," (Psalm 103:8). "Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually," (Hosea 12:6).


Having the proper perspective of God, helps keep me on track. The Psalmist's words remind me of His greatness, "Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind," (Psalm 104:1-3). His tender love is revealed by the pen of David," He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, " (Psalm 103:10-13).


With an awareness of my weakness, and an accurate perception of my Father and His strength, I can return to the job before me with the resolve of John the Baptist, "He must increase, but I must decrease, " (John 3:30).


Do you struggle with pride? What helps you put things in proper perspective?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your abundant grace and mercy in my life. Your Word acts as a lifeline - showing me when I've sinned, and clearly guiding me back to You. Help me to love and exalt You in everything I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

11 comments:

  1. I find I'm often sidetracked throughout the day from project to project. Oy.

    And I try to pay attention when I'm being humbled--to how I feel, how to treat others, etc. It helps when I swell up with pride.
    ~ Wendy

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  2. I feel like I have been sidetracked for nearly a year now! Starting to level out and get my head back together. Yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, it seems like there is something vying for my attention or distraction always.

    And yes, I do find I fight pride. The Lord's been showing me various areas and subtle places - always a good work in progress, aren't we? :)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  3. I struggle with pride and its cousin, humility. Sometimes I take too much pleasure in my work, and other times I act as if it were nothing. Neither pleases God. I pray to find a happy medium.

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  4. Wendy - Great to see you! It's so easy to get sidetracked - without even realizing it! You bring up a good point, paying attention to and learning from the experiences that humble us. Thanks for sharing! Have a blessed week and God bless!

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  5. Karen - So good to hear that you're getting back on track! I know difficult circumstances can keep us sidetracked. I'm thankful for a God who is there right beside us through every storm!

    Pride is a slick temptation of the devil. I like Jill's comment: "I struggle with pride and its cousin, humility. Sometimes I take too much pleasure in my work, and other times I act as if it were nother. Neither pleases God. I pray to find a happy medium." Amen! Have a blessed week!

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  6. Jill - Wonderful observation! Neither pride nor false humility impress our God. He's interested in a heart submitted to Him! Keep striving for balance! Have a great week enjoying the presence of the Lord!

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  7. I really liked this post. Reminded me of some of the things we have been studying in Lord, I Need Grace to Make it Today! We all do, don't we! And He is there always...full of grace and mercy!

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  8. Elaine - Thanks for stopping by! And for the great reminder that His grace IS always sufficient! The book your studying sounds intriguing - will have to add it to my list of books to read! Have a blessed week!

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  9. Thought provoking post Maria, I really appreciate your honesty! I struggle with pride, of course... and sometimes I just don't know how it keeps coming up... when I notice I am too much self centered, I go out and do something for someone else, that keeps me focussed on servanthood. Or I read scriptures, like "consider the other person more important than yourself...

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  10. Marja - Great ways to counteract pride! Appreciate you sharing! Have been thinking that since Satan was cast from heaven as a result of pride, I'm sure he's a pro at using pride to tempt and trip us up. So thankful for a God who gives us a way of escape with every temptation! Have a beautiful week full of God's blessings, my friend!

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  11. Yes. Pride is hard to identify sometimes. Sometimes it reveals itself in arrogance, at other times in self-destructive behaviors which we perpetuate b/c we have too much pride to say, "Help!" Either way, pride is a killer. Good post.

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