Today we are to consider the part of our life with which we are most proud. Then we should ask if we wear this aspect of our life with arrogance or with humility?
When I think about it, I guess I'm most proud of my Independence, or self-sufficiency. I can use my knowledge and skills to provide a good life for my family, and beyond that, I have the means to do pretty much whatever I want to do (sometimes good, sometimes not so good). Of course I can only do what I want within reason (have to stay legal, etc.).
As with everything in life, this Independence can be a huge asset, but it comes with a huge responsibility. The Bible passage today points that responsibility out to me... I must use these skills and knowledge in a humble manner, not in an arrogant one. Of course I try to do this (and some may disagree that I do), but it is easier said than done. One way to help is to use my gifts (both financial and my various skills) to serve others. I do this of course, but it can never be "enough", and I sometimes find myself "bragging" (perhaps in subtle ways... sometimes not so subtle) about how I serve. That's not what God intends.
But in the end, I don't know if I'm humble about these gifts... and the thought that pride and humility are not necessarily opposites is a new one. This really is a hard one to figure out.
Any thoughts out there?
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