What’s Good About That Put Down?

I had a little unintended smackdown. Probably well deserved,  but still…it kinda stung. And the entire time, I chided myself on one thing. I knew perfectly well that it shouldn’t have bothered me so. Along with that thought came another. There would be no pain without an underlying issue of pride. That revelation grieved my soul.

I tossed and turned on it, replaying the tapes, looking at it from different angles. I built my case, and I tore it down. And then I played it again. But, I always came back to the issue of, that relatively small thing should never have had such a big hold over me.

My regular habit each day is to read passages both from the Old and New Testaments. My morning Bible reading was from Proverbs 27.

Right off the bat I read, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2 ESV)

Well, that was crystal clear.

So after that rather blunt word from the Lord, I turned to where I’d left off in John the day before…wouldn’t you know it?

John 3:22-27 records a discussion between John’s disciples. A comparison arose. A bit of a panic on the social media buzz. John’s followers, after enjoying big crowds and the notoriety from them, felt stardom wane. Someone was beginning to get more traction, more attention. They came to John the Baptist worried that his following had been jeopardized by someone else’s rising popularity.

“Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” (John 3:26 ESV)

I hear the whine. I feel the worry.

It’s just so relatable, isn’t it?

“We need more numbers.”

“Profits are tanking.”

“We’re losing our edge.”

The downhill ski slope is lined with casualties.

John’s purpose on earth was specifically to point to Someone greater. In a big picture, ours is too.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 NKJV)

John prepared the way for the Messiah. He didn’t seem fazed by his disciple’s worry. He recognized he MUST decrease so Jesus would increase. He knew the imperative nature of exalting Christ.

  But John’s words before that declaration really touched my heart.

“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” (John 3:27 ESV)

So, my feeling of being put down had no ground under its feet.

A little humbling reminds us not only of where we stand, but where He stands.

I’ve lived long enough to see the cycles of popular trends, ladders that wanted climbing, the notoriety and success gained from it. I’ve also seen ravages left behind by many short-lived successes and satisfactions.A little humbling reminds us not only of where we stand, but where He stands. Share on X

But sometimes I fall into another ruffled feather pit, and it too stems from pride. I feel a bit like a cog which no longer fits where it ought. And at times I become easy prey to equate even well meaning remarks as proof that my life has seen its day, and its value is sifting like sand in an hourglass. Maybe you have felt that way at times?

But, John’s story reminded me, a little hurt pride and a slightly cracked ego, can go a long way to help me grasp a greater truth.

Every gift truly comes from His hand not mine.

John’s words to those looking at his popularity numbers touched my heart, because something I need to remember in every humbling is that gifts from Him belong to Him.

The Bible tells us that pride is something God hates. But it is so slimy and stealthy, isn’t it? And I wonder how often past experiences, knowledge, the acquired skills I’ve gained, actually present themselves with the ugly face of pride.

It’s like climbing the tower of Babel inside our souls, trying to be like God by all the wrong paths. 

When we place God at the pinnacle where He belongs, He is higher. “Me” falls into its rightful position.It’s like climbing the tower of Babel inside our souls, trying to be like God by all the wrong paths. Share on X

A pinch of pain from a comment that bothered me so much, has great value. It reveals something else inside. The sting invites the finger of God to touch those tender spots and pieces that need growth and refinement. It shows me He cares enough to want the gifts He’s given to bring Him the glory.

May He increase in all our day to day lives, resulting in greater fame for His Name.

 

 

*Feature Photo by Yumu on Unsplash

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If you love the hymn He Will Hold Me Fast, you will be interested in the article I wrote for GodTube.