The other day my husband brought me home a bouquet of showy yellow lilies.
While they were beautiful, we both agreed that their odor was overpowering.
Neither one of us was sad when they began to lose their petals and we could throw them out.
The pink geraniums in my patio pots cost a mere ninety nine cents at a local garden center.
They're a simple little flower, but they sure do bring a lot of cheer to our backyard.
I think those yellow lilies are a lot like pride.
A bit showy, a bit arrogant and a whole lot stinky to God.
I have always found the fact that God opposes the proud very sobering.
The last Person you want fighting against you is God.
I think my pink geraniums are a lot like humility.
They're just quietly being a blessing, bringing joy by their presence.
They bring a smile to my face, and I believe the humble bring a smile to God's.
It's to the humble that God offers grace.
It seems to me that we are living in an era where grace is pridefully demanded from God.
All too often the scriptures that say that if we love God we will obey Him are neglected.
We arrogantly go our own way, do our own thing, and boast that His grace covers us.
Yet we're frustrated that our life just isn't working.
People ruin their lives with the foolish things they do, and then they blame the Lord for it, Proverbs says.
On the other hand, while the humble may fall, their heart's desire is to love God and please Him.
They don't arrogantly demand that God's grace cover their willful disobedience,
they humbly ask His forgiveness, mercy and grace to cover them when they realize they've fallen short, sinned, or given in to weakness.
It's to the humble that God offers His grace.
And oh, what a generous offer it is.
The Bible calls it overflowing grace.
I don't know about you,
but I certainly don't want God to have to oppose me.
I want to walk in humility so I can receive His offer of overflowing grace.
still following,
Yes, Elizabeth, I totally agree! What is better than humbling yourself under the mighty hand of Love, who for a while rids us of all that stand in the way of experiencing Him to the fullest, and to quietly wait until He lifts us up in due time!
ReplyDeleteMuch love
Mia
Amen, Mia!
DeleteYes! I agree too! I'm a walking example of how badly arrogance can ruin a personal relationship with God. I wandered off for years and tried to run my life the way I thought it should be - all those years wasted. It's painful to admit and I am trying to heal the regret I feel. Your flower analogy reminds me of the bouquet of long stem roses my husband gave me for our anniversary. The first arrived badly bruised - the blooms literally fell off when I unwrapped them! The second bouquet arrived but didn't come close to the joy I get when I look outside at our beautiful wild rose bush (small, pitiful and free when we planted it!) Thank you for your lovely words, they touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteCarrie, I'm so glad you found your way back home!!!
DeleteSo beautiful! As much as I love to look at lilies I prefer them outside... not too close to where we live life snuggled in and real. I think the difference between inside and outside could be similar to the difference between prideful and being proud... one doesn't always lead to the other - but it can so easily sneak in under the radar until the scent is overpowering and the petals begin to fade! And 'overflowing grace' - um, yes please! Who doesn't want that? Stopping by from The Weekend Brew! (Now I am off to enjoy my little garden this morning!)
ReplyDeleteGood point, Karrilee!
DeleteIn my estimation one of your best writings ever --love it!
ReplyDeleteI think you say that about every post, just like I say that about every one of your paintings!
DeleteBeautifully said, and powerfully true. "Grace pridefully demanded of God"--frightening to think of being so blinded and arrogant that I would demand grace from a Holy God.
ReplyDeleteThanks, friend!
DeleteAmazing how that pride can sneak in there even when you think you are following God.
ReplyDeleteA great piece--powerful, yet graceful as well.
Blessings,
Janis
Thanks, Janis. Yes, humbly myself is a constant necessity!
DeleteVery timely for me, Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteVery timely for me, Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Virginia!
DeleteSuch a delightful analogy for pride and humility...and so true!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Marty, for taking the time to leave your encouragement here.
Delete... a lovely offering this weekend, so gratefully accepted ...
ReplyDeleteLinda
Thank you so much, Linda!
DeleteWow, Elizabeth, this was a sobering read first thing in the morning! Thank you for sharing this wisdom. I read once that at the root of every sin, there is pride -- which is basically making yourself into your own little god. The fact that you used my namesake, a "lily," truly grabbed me here.... Overbearing and overpowering are certainly not qualities I want to be known for. Something to pray about....
ReplyDeleteI'm pointing at myself as I write, too, friend.
DeleteBeautiful, Elizabeth. Flowers often "speak" to me in the ways you mentioned. Love those pinks! I'm loving my pansies this year. So refreshing in simple-faced joy! I agree about lifting our hearts to his Grace in humble rejoicing! ~ Pam, apples of gold
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam!
DeleteLove your 'post'...good job.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sharon!
DeleteAgreed. His will is the place to me. "I am willing to be made willing, Lord!"
ReplyDeleteYes, I often quote that verse, "help me to will and to do Your good pleasure".
DeleteYou touched on so many wonderful points (and I love your use of the two flowers)!! Oftentimes, people don't like to be told that what they're doing is wrong or that there are commands God set out for us. I tell my Sunday School kids that God sets rules for us, much like their parents do, because he loves us! ~ Yes, I would rather walk in humility, too!! :) Thanks for these words, have a blessed week!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Amanda! I agree, people don't like to be told what to do, even by God!
Delete