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Today while reading Chapter 4 in 1 Corinthians I came across the following verse:
7 ... And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
It made me ponder over some of my own actions. Specially when I am in cribbing mode I tend to put myself on a higher pedestal. A lot of my thoughts then have me at the focal point. I start listing in my mind what are all the good things "I" have done and am continually doing, laying all the credit on my own shoulders.
The above verse served to remind me that this is wrong on my part. Irrespective of my mood I shouldn't forget that whatever I have is really by His grace:
From the certificates that I got in school to the exams I passed.
From the home I live in to the world that I have explored.
From the progress at work to the fun I have daily.
From the fellowship of my friends to my wonderful family.
From the mental toughness when needed to the softness of my heart.
From the spirit that stirs me to the words that then pour out.
From the patience to go on to the strengthening of my belief.
From the love of my life to the kindnesses I receive.
I feel most of the time our ambitions are driven by our desire for achieving success, fame, and fortune or for proving others wrong and showing what mettle we have. Perhaps that is why (as was pointed out in this Sunday's sermon by our pastor) we are habituated to find what we need by looking inside when we should be looking up to God. I am realizing that we need to humble ourselves whether hail or sunshine. It is important we recognize to Whom the praise is really due.
