HIS WORDS
“Jesus answered, ‘If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you says that He is your God.” John 8:54
Honoring Myself
HIS EXAMPLE TO US
Jesus never said anything to purposely honor Himself. He knew that any honor someone might give to himself is worth nothing; only the honor that comes from the Father is worth having. He took no pride in Himself. Even though He deserved all honor as the Son of God, still He did not honor Himself.
MY STORY
It has only been in the last several years that I have been able to identify my prideful thoughts. I didn’t recognize the times I had honored myself. I was glad when people said things to me that made me feel good about myself, and I didn’t give it a second thought when I repeated those words to others. I often acted as though my opinion should be given more weight than others’ opinions. I was quicker to answer than I was to hear. I interrupted others frequently. I felt I had a special place in God’s kingdom because of the responsibilities I’d been given. I was quick to act like I knew important things. I became a master of barely-disguised compliments about my own accomplishments. My self-deprecating remarks were boastings, once you looked into the intent of my heart. How horrid! I am ashamed to confess all this now, and God has certainly done a great work in me, but to be honest, I still have to check my words and heart before I speak.
MY RESPONSE
I realized I was looking for man’s approval, saying things to manipulate others into thinking more highly of me than they might have. I was covering inadequacies that probably took root in me long ago. The first step was for me to tell myself that God loves me just as I am, loved me even when I was a sinner, even before I did any works in His Name. The next step was to realize that when I honor myself, I am taking away the honor that belongs to God only. It is His enabling, His calling, His empowering, His grace at work through me toward others.
In a court of law, whatever I may say about myself is unworthy; it is nothing; it doesn’t count. The jury will not listen to it. They will not consider it as evidence of anything. It will be exposed for what it is—a cheap attempt at trying to look better than what the evidence shows.
It has become my greatest pleasure to bring the Lord honor and glory—by my words, thoughts, and deeds. He won’t share His glory with me or anyone else. “I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another…” (Isaiah 42:8).
MY PRAYER
“Father, we know pride goes before a fall. Forgive us for thinking we can do anything apart from You. You deserve all the glory and honor. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Wow!! Powerful words today that spoke to my very soul! It was as if someone interviewed me and wrote my story! Thank you sooo much for these words today to remind me of who deserves ALL the glory. I have loved Jesus for a long time but to be quite honestly I have had a thirst for his word lately that has brought me to a place much deeper with Him than I could ever imagine. Thank you again for reminding me to speak less and listen more and more importantly to ensure I give ALL the glory to our Lord! Thank you Jesus!
Hang in there, everyone, while the glitches are worked out on the new website postings! Feel free to send us a note, and we will keep moving forward with some changes. Love you all so much.~ The Editor of Walk His Way
<3 this – so to the core of the struggles in my heart. I too have and do struggle greatly with pride and wanting to be noticed. Thank you for being real and sharing with others the hope out of the struggle!