Daily Devotional: Wednesday, May 19

Speaker: Ben Sigman

Theme: Pride

Weekend Music links on iTunes: All Because of Jesus by Fee; No Not One by Christy Nockels; Love Came Down by Ben Cantelon; Rescue by Desperation Band.

Read: Matthew 6:1-6; Luke 11:39-42; Leviticus 26:18-20

Think: This past weekend Ben spoke of two kinds of pride.   The good kind of pride which focuses upon others, and the self centered pride which revolves principally around me.  

I am not sure about you, but I was relieved to hear that pride has two faces and that not all pride is bad or wrong.  But it also got me to thinking a little deeper about appearances, motive and intent.  I can take pride in other's achievements and genuinely be happy in their success. Pride is an interesting beast however.  I can certainly put on the appearance of happiness in seeing others triumphs, only to hope that others will acknowledge my great "humility".   I am sorry to say that my motive and intent have sometimes been fueled by such a prideful purpose.   

In today's reading the Pharisee's are front and center.  Appearances, ritual, and law were of paramount importance to them.  Jesus calls them on their arrogance and feelings of superiority.  Jesus sees our true motive and intent even when others may be blind to it. He is quick to call us on our hypocrisy.  I may be fooling those around me but if this is my desire then hasn't appearance and other's opinions become more important than relationship?  Haven't I just made them my highest priority or lord of my life?  Jesus desires to be Lord of each of our lives, to mold us and teach us.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Like me, are you weary and burdened by seeking the approval and admiration of others?  You can walk, run or crawl to Jesus and He is the one who will truly give you rest.  His arms are wide open for your arrival.

Do:  Examine your motives and intent in all you do.  Ask God to search your heart and purify your mind.  Ask God for His forgiveness where your pride has stood between you and Him.  

Pray: Heavenly Father I admit that my motives and intent are sometimes selfish and focused on me.  Forgive me and help me to do Your will, not mine. Help me and teach me to recognize when my pride is standing in the way of knowing you more.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.  

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

4505 236th Ave. NE • Redmond, WA 98053 • 425-869-4400 • info@timberlakeonline.org