Humility. The heart of the matter is serving each other in love, isn't it? So why do we complicate things so much?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4C.S. Lewis put it this way, "True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."
The opposite of humility would be egotism, otherwise known as being self-centered. Our society feeds off this mindset. People are driven by a desire for fame, applause, and the admiration of their peers. We want to leave our mark in this world, and the bigger the mark--the better.
I'm reminded of an episode of Little House on the Prairie. (Yeah, I'm a big Little House fan *wink*) After Charles builds a folding leaf table, he sets out to have it mass produced. He was willing to give up everything they had worked for to pursue this dream, including their home. Thankfully he runs into some trouble and chooses a better direction.
Near the end of the episode he's sitting back in his chair talking to a friend when he says, "You know why I started all this? All this work? Because I wanted to be remembered. My initials on a piece of furniture--I wanted strangers to remember me. I wasn't even giving my own children a chance to remember me."
I saw that episode in 1982 and it stuck with me to this day. Whenever I'm self-centered and concerned about what I want in this life my thoughts go back to that mark on the table. I'm reminded of what's important in this world--love.
The greatest line from the episode is when Caroline says, "If it's a legacy you're after Charles, you can't do better than our children."
That speaks volumes to me. We can't do better than to love and serve the people God has put in our lives, can we?
You see, leaving a mark on this world is different than leaving a mark on the heart of another. Whether it's loving our children, our spouse, a sick parent or friend... we can't do better than love.
I remember the night I found out that our book hit the New York Times best-sellers list. I was so excited that I could barely dial the phone. It was an honor. But does it matter? Does any of this matter? Do I really need to make my mark on the world?
No.
I matter to a God who loved me before I loved Him. One who cared enough to send His son to die for my sins so that I might live. He's all that matters. There isn't a red carpet, a trophy, or a list that could elevate us to a place any higher than that.
And YOU matter. Right where you are; right at this moment. You were created and are loved by an almighty God. That's what really matters in this mixed-up world of fame and fortune. Purpose is found in those quiet moments when no one but God sees the work of your hands.
The day will come when we take our last breath, bow for the last curtain call, and leave this world on our journey to home. And when that day comes self gratification will be nothing but dust in the wind.
It's His mark I desire to leave on this world--not my own.
You are loved by an almighty God,
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Week 1: Introduction
Week 2 - Purity Pt. 1
Week 2 - Purity Pt. 2
Week 3 - Self Control Pt. 1
Week 3 - Self Control Pt. 2
Week 4 - Love Pt. 1
Week 4 - Love Pt. 2
Week 5 - Diligence Pt. 1
Week 5 - Diligence Pt. 2
Week 6 - Patience Pt. 1
Week 6 - Patience Pt. 2
Week 7 - Kindness Pt. 1
Week 7 - Kindness Pt. 2
Week 8 - Humility Pt. 1
Week 8 - Humility Pt. 2
Wow Darlene! Thank you for this! I have long FELT this way, but have struggled to put those feelings into words. My parents exhibited these characteristics during their time here on earth. They were never career driven. It was, therefore, a shock for me to find myself married to someone who always put work first. Over these past 21 years, it has been a struggle for us each to adjust our expectations. I see huge progress in this regard recently and am so thankful for it. I've printed this post to aid in our conversation.
ReplyDeleteI loved this, Darlene! So many people think humility means telling others how weak and sinful you are. That never seemed right to me since God tells us in His Word that His power works in us mightily, we are dead from sin and freed from it, and we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. I think Christ showed His humility when He got down on His knees and washed His disciples feet. This is what we are called to do. Little House On The Prairie is one of my all time favorite shows also!
ReplyDeleteDarlene, thank you for this! I remember reading your post about Caroline and when I saw Michael Landon's face on your post for today I was thrilled as a fellow Little House fan. I'm not sure if this particular storyline was written for the show or taken from one of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books, but it is ironic that more than a century later, the world does know Charles Ingalls through his child and her accounts of his love, compassion, devotion to God and his family, for all of the fruits of the Spirit that he actively pursued. He left a legacy through his children and through his example of living to glorify the Lord.
ReplyDeleteThis one was from the show. I don't remember if it was in the books. I need to brush up on those. I absolutely loved the show and still do!
DeleteI love this! The Ingalls are fine examples of so much.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. It really encouraged me today. I loved Little House on the Prairie too and I think all those years of watching it had a positive impact on my way of thinking. I loved the simpleness of life and how people valued each other. I'm thankful Michael Landon brought the Ingalls family to life. : )
ReplyDelete