Earlier this week, I was listening to a sermon shared by Tim Keller in 1989, Removing Idols of the Heart. In this sermon, we are challenged to do three things - don't gossip, don't defend yourself and check your motives often. Control, gossip, and defending myself can be a signal my pride is again an issue.
Confidence is important, pride will hinder forward movement, relationships and my future success. The most difficult will be to not defend myself especially when accused wrongly. But, he's right. It is important to just let most things slide. The truth will eventually be exposed if necessary and most times, it simply doesn't matter.
Control is usually based on fear and by the belief we know better than another person. Sometimes, as in the case of children, we do know better. However, we must allow them to grow and make age appropriate choices themselves. We must allow them to fall and get back up or allow them to climb and get to the top. As parents, it is most important we let go of our children (age appropriately). Parenting is comparable to the net under trapeze artists. When the artist falls, the net keeps them from serious harm. When the artist makes it to the other swing after a jump, the net is not necessary to the artist's success (nor does it receive applause).
Gossip really is something too many of us participate in. We decide through conversation how someone else should live (pointing back to control) or place value on what someone else is doing or has done. Why do we need to be reminded so often about this one? YIKES! It's like going back to kindergarten when teachers said, "Please don't tell me what other students are doing unless it will bring harm to them or others." whenever a child began to tattle.
It is truly important for women to be confident in who we are, our accomplishments and our occupation (whether a mom who works at home or a mom working at the office). It is most important for us to be confident in Christ's love for us and God's view of us (we are beautiful and loved by Him). Confidence can appear to be pride at times, but you know in your heart the motive and intentions behind your words and actions.
Today's challenge: Self regulate, ask the opinion of someone who loves you and wants only the best for you and pray about it. (Don't ask someone who isn't "for" you. It will bring you down, not up.) God will reveal if you are walking in pride or confidence because He loves you and wants the best for you! Don't defend yourself, walk in truth and confidence, allow God to be the lifter of your head as He promises to do and DON'T GOSSIP!
Confidence is important, pride will hinder forward movement, relationships and my future success. The most difficult will be to not defend myself especially when accused wrongly. But, he's right. It is important to just let most things slide. The truth will eventually be exposed if necessary and most times, it simply doesn't matter.
Control is usually based on fear and by the belief we know better than another person. Sometimes, as in the case of children, we do know better. However, we must allow them to grow and make age appropriate choices themselves. We must allow them to fall and get back up or allow them to climb and get to the top. As parents, it is most important we let go of our children (age appropriately). Parenting is comparable to the net under trapeze artists. When the artist falls, the net keeps them from serious harm. When the artist makes it to the other swing after a jump, the net is not necessary to the artist's success (nor does it receive applause).
Gossip really is something too many of us participate in. We decide through conversation how someone else should live (pointing back to control) or place value on what someone else is doing or has done. Why do we need to be reminded so often about this one? YIKES! It's like going back to kindergarten when teachers said, "Please don't tell me what other students are doing unless it will bring harm to them or others." whenever a child began to tattle.
It is truly important for women to be confident in who we are, our accomplishments and our occupation (whether a mom who works at home or a mom working at the office). It is most important for us to be confident in Christ's love for us and God's view of us (we are beautiful and loved by Him). Confidence can appear to be pride at times, but you know in your heart the motive and intentions behind your words and actions.
Today's challenge: Self regulate, ask the opinion of someone who loves you and wants only the best for you and pray about it. (Don't ask someone who isn't "for" you. It will bring you down, not up.) God will reveal if you are walking in pride or confidence because He loves you and wants the best for you! Don't defend yourself, walk in truth and confidence, allow God to be the lifter of your head as He promises to do and DON'T GOSSIP!
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