“Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” — Romans 8:8-9
Pride is the death of us all. We think we can go through this life trying to accomplish things like we are God. But only God is God, and we aren’t in any position to play God. As we go through our day-to-day routines trying to be pleasing in the eyes of God, we often forget that we aren’t God, nor can we please God without His will working through us.
We strive to be the best person possible, yet often ignore the greatest example that ever walked this earth. Jesus is our example; He spoke what the Father spoke and did what the Father did. He did not look to be pleasing to this world, but instead worked only to be pleasing to His Father in Heaven. Our pride often blinds us, not only from the things we can accomplish through our Father, but also from the fact that we have a Father and Creator who blesses us every day with great opportunities to let His light shine through us.
As humans and sinners, we are set in our ways. The unfamiliar can be terrifying because of our routines based on fleshly desires and comfort in our human nature. Whether we like it or not, we live in fear every day because stepping out of our comfort zone is often seen as losing ourselves. Yet, we are called every day to lose ourselves, to put ourselves to death so that God can take over our lives.
Our fear and pride only allow us to see that we are losing ourselves. What we fail to see, however, is that when we lose ourselves, we ultimately find God. And when we find God, we quickly find ourselves again, only this time it is the version of ourselves that God calls and guides us to be. It is a version of us that may be terrifying from afar, but filled with joy and purpose when experienced.
Good intentions are like a treadmill — we run to make progress, but in the end we are in the same place. God calls us to get out of our treadmill ways and be bold in Him. Trust that He will show you His purpose in your life. Run in such a way as to explore and trust in God’s will. Put aside your pride so you can move forward, and be open to what He has for you.
— Jake Merrick
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