Acts20.com

Pride that flaunts itself and is obvious is not nearly so dangerous as the pride that lurks in the lair of our hearts.This is the lesson I learned just a days ago. You would think after 35+ years of service and at age 62 I would have learned that lesson by now.I have lamented the fact that since retiring from serving as pastor in 2004 very few have called upon me to preach or teach for them. Other than my pastor, who asked me to preach on a few occasions, I can count the number of pastors who have called on one hand - two of them I didn't even know.Eleven years have passed and I've studied and prayed and wondered why no calls.Last Thursday I went to hear a former member teach on living in prophetic times. I went out of respect and curiosity. Nothing new was revealed but I came home with mixed emotions.One, I was proud the individual was able to teach and sent them a message encouraging. Two, I felt anger coming over me because I started thinking, I could have taught that, and could have said this and that - you get the gist.So, while I'm slumping in my desk chair lamenting being overlooked and just feeling sorry for myself, the thought came to me: You aren't interested in proclaiming the truth as much as you want everyone to know what you know.It was all about me. That's when the opening thought hit me. It is easy to discern the openly displayed demonstration of pride and if you have any ounce of the right kind of pride you can dispense of it properly.But, it is the pride that lurks in your heart, a pride you don't know is there lurking in your heart, that is what is costly and can stand in the way.So, there you go. A true confession God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led

I think your post resonates with many Mark.

YES! I have been fortunate, I worked in the youth area until I could not (due to hearing) So I did not expect to be called on, and when I was called, I had to refuse.BUT still at times I would watch youth workers and say the very words in my mind that you thought:I started thinking, I could have taught that, and could have said this and that - you get the gist. *****************************But then I thought 'they should do this, oh this would be good as my thoughts go thru my head.I did have a realization a few years ago that 'THEY ARE DOING GOOD, THE KIDS LOVE THEM AND ARE LISTENING. I am doing much better. I don't want to 'show off my amazing talents' as much as I used to. BUT on a smaller scale my brother, I know the feelings you have expressed.I do appreciate this post my brother, VERY MUCH! Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]://shipslog-jack.blogspot.com/

Right on my friend, right on! Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]://shipslog-jack.blogspot.com/