"But you..."

Last weekend, our Pastor's wife shared the sermon, speaking on pride from 1 Corinthians 13. As is our custom, we shared what we heard (and hopefully learned) over lunch. Hands down, this sermon generated more incredible discussion than any other... ever! (Feel free to listen here (10/9) or watch here (10/9). But come back to discover what we learned!)

Her sermon included a "Pride Test." Let's just say, it left no toes unstomped! We're thankful to have our eyes opened to our prideful tendencies, though. Proverbs 24:3-4 says, "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." I can think of no greater treasure than the family God has given me.

Our family was challenged by each of these points. We're speaking and serving one another in love and humility. We've been transformed!

Would you like more love and peace in your family? Maybe you will find yourself in this list. If you do, take steps to change... all it takes is one open discussion at the dinner table and a bit of humility!

The Pride Test:
Do you?
1. Complain against or pass judgment on God (blaming him for everything bad in your life) OR acknowledge that God is God (and trust him, good or bad)?

2. Demonstrate a general lack of gratitude (I deserve all the good things I get) OR thank God and people often?

3. Exhibit anger (outbursts, withdrawal, pouting, or moody) OR seek to live in peace with all people?

4. See yourself as better than others, easily irritated and impatient OR recognize that you are no better than anyone else (BUT FOR the grace of God you could be....)?

5. Think you're more important, more gifted and/or more talented than others (a legend in your own mind) OR genuinely glad for others' successes and blessings?

6. Suffer from perfectionism (concerned with appearances and how others perceive you) OR teachable, recognizing that perfection is not possible?

7. Talk too much (the center of every conversation -- it's all about "ME") OR encouraging, seeking ways to build others up?

8. Fight for independence and control (struggling when you must submit to authority) OR gladly submissive and obedient to those in authority?

9. Shift the blame or act defensively (not willing to ask forgiveness, justifying your behavior -- I'm sorry for ____, BUT YOU....) OR quickly admit when you're wrong and seek forgiveness without justification?

10. Offer your opinions and preferences, even when you aren't asked OR speak the truth in love?

Yep, lots of toe stomping!!!

Our family though has not heard:

• "But you..." once this whole week!!! "But you" was a permanent resident of this home until Sunday.... "But you" has been joyfully evicted! We're thrilled.
• "How can I..." has moved in. "How can I" is a much friendlier resident. "How can I" brings a smile to our faces and a joy to our hearts.

Wisdom, understanding and knowledge are filling our home with beautiful treasures! 

May your home be filled with the same!

God bless!