Entitled Confidence

Ezekiel 29: ¹⁶ Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the people of Israel but will be a reminder of their sin in turning to her for help. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.

============

“I finally made it” I thought to myself. I had climbed the ladder all the way to the top and I can really help the people I sought to help. Months later a reorganization happened and the person who put me in place was no longer there. In fact many of my supporters were gone.

• At one time I had confidence in “my” title.
• At one time I had confidence in the “power” I was given.
• At one time I had confidence in place I worked.

I literally thought I would work at one place until I retired, at least that was the dream of my age group. I placed an enormous amount of confidence in those who should do the right thing for those who worked hard and did not cause trouble. When I saw good people disappear one by one, my confidence waned. What should I place my confidence in?

• GOD said to me “Stand still and wait on the LORD.”
• GOD said to me “I AM the ONE who you should place all of your trust.”
• GOD said to me “I AM the ONE who loves you and will keep you.”

It felt strange to place my trust in GOD. I mean what about bank accounts, houses, cars and other stuff? GOD said “All those things are nice but I can make them rust or have a moth eat them. Do not worry about those things, but seek MY kingdom and I will always take care of you.” Suddenly the worry fell off my shoulders. You mean I can depend on GOD and not have to be something I don’t want to be? Yes! GOD wants me to place my total confidence in HIM alone.

• Where have you placed your confidence?
• Do you think you are the one who got you where you are?
• Can you give GOD praise for giving you your talents and abilities?
• Will you ask GOD to guide you?

Foolish Pride

Isaiah 10: ¹² When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. ¹³ For he says:

“‘By the strength of my hand I have done this,
    and by my wisdom, because I have understanding.
I removed the boundaries of nations,
    I plundered their treasures;
    like a mighty one I subdued their kings.

============

After praying a few times, I finally got a promotion. This felt great as it seemed like my career was pretty stagnant at the time. About a year after my promotion, it was time for another evaluation. I had worked pretty hard and felt I needed another promotion. I received an average on my evaluation and was passed up for the promotion. I was clearly upset in the meeting. “Look at all the things ’I’ have done.” I exclaimed.

• Sometimes I think more highly of myself.
• Sometimes I think I am the one with the abilities.
• Sometimes I think people owe me things.

It is amazing at what I became proud of. I was proud of my work. I was proud of my bank account and I was proud of my abilities. I made sure the people around me knew I was the person who should be chosen. BUT GOD wanted me to act different.

• GOD said to me “Humble yourself and I will be your guide.”
• GOD said to me “Turn from your wicked ways and watch ME do a marvelous work in you.”
• GOD said to me “Do not think more highly of yourself.”

Pride is hard to see because my ego blinds. I mean, it is hard to see GOD when I think “I” did things on my own. After a while I think GOD did not put me in the position, rather it had to be “my” own abilities. GOD wants me to credit HIM with everything and accept where HE raises me up or lowers me to. HE wants me to point at HIM for every accomplishment and praise HIM for where HE places me.

• Do you have a problem with your life?
• Do you think you “deserve” better?
• Do you need people to admit things to you?
• Can you examine yourself to see if you have pride and ask GOD to remove it?

Am I setting myself apart for GOD?

Exodus 39: ³⁰ They made the plate out of pure gold. It was a sacred crown. They carved words on it as if it were a seal. They carved the words set apart for the Lord. 

============

Scantily clad women walked around trying to get noticed and I wanted to join in. After lifting weights in my local gym, I adorned myself with tiny shorts and a ripped up shirt that I made myself. I mean, store bought shirts couldn’t accentuate my muscles enough.

• Self is difficult to dodge.
• Self usually wants to be noticed or rewarded now.
• Self points everyone to my efforts in a passive or overt way.

Usually when I want to be noticed, it isn’t going to end up in a positive way. Yes I may get a pat on the back, which isn’t bad, but sometimes I may fall into something I shouldn’t. I wonder if all the attention I seek is positive.

• GOD says “Be holy because I am holy” which means I will fail but HIS holiness makes me holy.
• GOD says “Set yourself apart” which means I still have to live with people and not exclude.
• GOD says “I will know MY people” which means HE has placed HIS seal of approval on me.

I have to realize that I am HIS.  This is hard to do when I’m blaming HIM for situations or trouble. I also have to realize “that” person belongs to HIM as well so I have to treat them like it. Being “Set Apart” means living with the purpose of GOD each day. The more I can let go of self the better I am. I will not always get this right but I’m on my way!

• Are you trying to get noticed?
• Do you use overt or passive aggressive ways to get noticed?
• Can you focus some of that attention on GOD?
• Won’t you point someone to CHRIST instead of pointing them to your opinion?