Bow the Knee

Recently, the words "pride" and "humility" have been running through my head. I know I have pride in my life and in my heart. I wish it wasn't there. I wish I could make myself be humble, but it doesn't seem to work that way.

A young man, interning at our church, challenged us to list fifty things that we are proud of. I thought that it would be hard to find that many -
or so I thought.

I thought of the things I had done, things that I could put on a resume: taught K-3 for twelve years at a Christian school, had my writing published by a famous magazine, taught myself to play the piano, etc.

"Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." (Proverbs 27:2)

I thought of my family heritage. I was proud of my Christian family - godly grandparents, aunts and uncles, who were missionaries and pastors, dozens of cousins who all were serving the Lord. I liked to mention that my father was a missionary in the Bahamas and also a pastor. My mother has counseled many woman and young people. I was proud of family.

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him much will be required." (Luke 12:48)

I am proud of my country. I am proud of the prestige and power of being a part of a great nation. When I watch the Olympics, I get excited about our country winning medals. When I see our troops and charity groups helping the oppressed in the name of United States, I am proud of our country. I am proud of living on the coast of Maine, a small town in a beautiful place.

"I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me."
(Psalm 13:6)

I am proud of my husband - loving, giving, faithful. I am proud of my children - obedient, smart, hard-working.  I am proud of my grandchildren. I like to talk of what cute things they say and do.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."
(Psalm 127:3-5)

I am even proud of my curly hair, my health, my dimple, and my lack of wrinkles and vericose veins - even for being short. The more I dug into my heart, the uglier I felt. I didn't realize how vain I was.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14)

I bow my head before God. I had nothing to do with choosing who I am. I didn't choose my family, my country, or my body. God gave me my husband and my children and the strength and knowledge to write and to teach. None of it is worth my pride. They are all from God.

"Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves. "
(Psalm 100:3)

I am ashamed of my pride. I am become thankful for God's goodness to me. The only thing that I can rightfully be proud of is my God. I can boast that He is my God - not that I chose Him, but that He is the Almighty God! He is my Redeemer! He is the Creator of everything! He is Holy!

" My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad."
(Psalm 34:2)

When I think of how great God is
and how small I am,
I must bow my knee and heart before Him.

"Bow the Knee"