My Big Cup of Pride
Ever had to swallow your own cup of Pride…
It was a Sunday morning and my husband and I had a difference of opinion over our son while sitting in a restaurant before church…We had yet to order and I really wasn’t hungry! (Unusual for a girl like me) I have learned the importance of eating at least something for breakfast rather than going without until lunch time, which used to be easy for me to do!
Well, after our little disagreement as to what was best for our son, I was less than happy with my husband’s responses and I got up and took a walk outside…again, unusual for me, I usually just remain quiet! In other words, “Bite my tongue until it bleeds!”
As I paced the sidewalk, I took my cares and concerns to the Lord. Just as I was about ready to walk back in to the restaurant, my husband met me at the door and told me to come back inside that he had ordered me something to eat…of which I did not want! But, I sat down though thoroughly not engaging my husband by looking elsewhere. When me eyes landed upon a cup stuck up on the window seal in front of me that read… “PRIDE” …it was a cup of pride! Oh my gosh, I just about died…I wondered if it was for my husband or for me? And then I reasoned with myself, if it was for him, it would be in his face and not mine.
God was not done with me! I remained quiet, but much more introspective! We continued on to church and our Pastor was not there! So I tried to engage in the sermon and listen to what was being said when the Associate Pastor closed his sermon by offering anyone who needed prayer to come to the altar and do so! I thought, “No, I won’t!” Yet, the Holy Spirit kept speaking to my heart and mind. I heard that small still voice whisper, “Your will or mine?” With that finally, I surrendered and stepped forward and knelt down and prayed…I ask God to forgiven me for my cup of pride!
As I returned to my seat, which is right up front and center (literally, my 14 year old special needs son said, “Mom, next time you go up there pull your sweater down, the top of your underwear was showing! And you embarrassed yourself and disgraced our family!” Out of the mouths of babes! My husband couldn’t hold back a laugh and I just took the hit and considered it a correction from my loving Father!
Pride comes before the fall! Sin is a serious offence to God and to others…Do what you need to do to, in order to be right with God and His people! Before you have to suffer the consequences of you sin, no matter how embarrassing that might be!
In Hebrews 12:6, Proverbs 3:12 and Revelation 3:19 we are told that God disciplines those He loves! I stood corrected and loved at the same time!
Conviction of sin is a gift and it’s purpose is to lead us to confession and repentance…not rejection and rebellion!
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach