I thank the Lord for providing for us here in Manila. Living here with a higher cost of living compared to the province is a risk. Yet His blessings just flow. We may not have everything we want, but we have everything we need.
Today's verse:
Galatians 6:3-5 NIV
"If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. [4] Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, [5] for each one should carry their own load."
I picked this verse because it says a lot to me. From childhood, I was known with the phrase, "Apay isuda adda, siak awan." (Ilocano for "Why do they have, while I have none".) When I see my siblings have food, while I do not have, I say this popular phrase, with matching finger pointing at them, then pointing at myself. Somehow until now, I carried this attitude of comparing myself with others - "Why do they have, while I have none."
When it comes to achievements, even to spiritual things, I also tend to compare myself with others. Sometimes I say, "I'm better than her," or "I'm a more effective leader because I'm closer to God than her, " or "I should get all the blessings because I'm good mentally and spiritually."
I see pride behind these two attitudes "Apay isuda adda, siak awan" and "I'm better, so I should be/have ____." Comparison is a form of self-pride. And children of God should not be proud. As the Scripture says, each one should carry their own load. All people's situations are unique and incomparable with others.
Seek my heart, Lord. Take away my pride. Take away all impure thoughts. May I look at myself the way You look at me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's verse:
Galatians 6:3-5 NIV
"If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. [4] Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, [5] for each one should carry their own load."
I picked this verse because it says a lot to me. From childhood, I was known with the phrase, "Apay isuda adda, siak awan." (Ilocano for "Why do they have, while I have none".) When I see my siblings have food, while I do not have, I say this popular phrase, with matching finger pointing at them, then pointing at myself. Somehow until now, I carried this attitude of comparing myself with others - "Why do they have, while I have none."
When it comes to achievements, even to spiritual things, I also tend to compare myself with others. Sometimes I say, "I'm better than her," or "I'm a more effective leader because I'm closer to God than her, " or "I should get all the blessings because I'm good mentally and spiritually."
I see pride behind these two attitudes "Apay isuda adda, siak awan" and "I'm better, so I should be/have ____." Comparison is a form of self-pride. And children of God should not be proud. As the Scripture says, each one should carry their own load. All people's situations are unique and incomparable with others.
Seek my heart, Lord. Take away my pride. Take away all impure thoughts. May I look at myself the way You look at me. In Jesus' name. Amen.