I recently found myself thinking about all the ways I am more qualified for someone else’s blessing than they are. How selfish is that?! I’m doing exactly what Galatians 5:26 tells me not to do. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. When I entertain thoughts about how unfair someone else’s blessing is, I’m putting myself in God’s place! Philippians 2:3-4 says, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Yes, God moved my heart to recognize that my attitude was absolutely wrong. My immediate reaction should have been to rejoice.
Our culture sets us up to do everything we can to move ourselves to the front of the line. This counters everything God’s word says when it tells us to be humble and value others above ourselves. How will we get ahead this way? As believers in Christ, we have an inheritance with Him that we have not earned, that does not wither away, and that cannot be stolen. In Him we were made heirs, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will (Ephesians 1:11). We are to be set apart while we are on this Earth, For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come (Hebrews 13:14). So, yes, set goals, have ambitions, go for all of it! But we must remember to seek God first in all things. He is the only thing that will last.
Dear God,
Thank You for always being with us. Thank You for grace and mercy even when we’re vain and conceited. Please help us to be humble and to value others above ourselves. Help us to seek You first in all things and to remember that this is not our permanent home. We love You. We trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I Will Cling 