Ice, Pride and
Worms
Today is traditionally the coldest day of
the year in the northern hemisphere. The
record was set in the 1700s when it hit the
incredible temperature of -124F in Siberia.
That's cold by anyone's standards. In
opposition to tradition, we've had the mixed
blessing the past few days of unseasonably
warm temperatures.
The warm temperatures have been nice, but
they've been accompanied by freezing rain.
Sheets of ice have covered everything, making
driving a chore at times and walking very
dangerous, especially for people like me who
are coordinationally challenged on the best of
days. Some might say I'm a klutz, but in these
days of political correctness I'm not sure I
can use that word.
My schedule hasn't allowed for walking
Genni the wonder dog during the day when it's
above freezing and relatively safe to do so.
That means she hasn't been for her walk since
Saturday (although we should be able to go
today). She hasn't been happy that the "boss"
won't take her for her walks.
Many people have taken falls on the ice and
the number of vehicle accidents is astounding.
Actually, even though the number of accidents
is so high, I believe after watching people
driving on the ice that it is only by God's
grace that there aren't even more.
I drove to a morning gathering of pastors
early yesterday. During that fifteen minute
drive, there were police at three accident
sites that I saw, including one five car pile
up. There were several vehicles in the ditch,
and more near misses than I care to think
about. Most people seemed to be driving in a
relatively reasonable manner, but there were
certainly many who weren't thinking.
The sheets of ice are transparent so often
times you can't even see them. It amazes me
when something you can't see can cause such
havoc.
Yet, it shouldn't because the thing that
wreaks the most destruction are invisible. I'm
thinking of sin in general and pride in
particular. We can see the results of the sin
in people's actions, but the actual act of
rebellion against God has already occurred in
the mind when we commit the sin, or act out of
pride.
I don't believe Christians need to have a
worm theology, as in "Oh what a wretched worm
I am." There is a healthy sense of well being
and humility that come from knowing our
identity in Christ. We do have to recognize
that we can't be reconciled to God on our own
and turn to Him for help, but that shouldn't
result in perpetual worm thinking.
The problem for most people isn't a worm
theology. Rather it's a sense of pride and a
desire for control. We think we're better than
we are and know better than God. That creates
most of the problems in the world.
It's no wonder Scripture calls out strongly
against the sin of pride.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs
11:2 NIV
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom
is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 13:10 NIV
Pride goes before destruction, a
haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be
lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than
to share plunder with the proud.
Proverbs 16:18-19 NIV
Until next time may the Lord break you of
your unhealthy, rebellious pride and replace
it with a healthy sense of who you are in
Jesus.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)!
Kevin
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