Jay Hopson(933) Jay Hopson Christian Insider Review Log in to become a member of Jay Hopson's Fan Club!
Most of my Christian life I have struggled with pride. From the moment I was
saved, I always wanted to do great things for God. I would travel to the next
revival and watch for a move of God at every turn. Always wanting to be the best
and do the most, I think my troubles began because I was unwilling to do the
least. Now, I am finally able to take a look at how I aspire to greatness. Am I
willing to truly serve Him in gentleness and lowliness of mind?
Let
nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3
The
world we live in today is so contrary to Gods word in its approach that if we
don't stay in the Word nearly daily we endanger our walk. (Has not God made
foolish the wisdom of this world? 1 Cor. 1:20) This is illustrated to me every
day at my job. Although I love my job and am very grateful for it, there is one
aspect of it that nearly every night tests me in humility.
I work at a
truck stop supplying trucks with in-cab heat and air conditioning. My
shift runs from 12:00 AM to 8 AM, which makes it nice for me because I have a
lot of time to myself and even some time to write. One of the chores I must do,
though, is deal with the trash that tuckers leave on the lot. We have several
large trash barrels, but these are not always made use of.
One of the
things I've learned about truckers that I hadn't known, is that during their
long hauls they seldom take the time for restroom stops, preferring instead to
urinate in a bottle or jug of some kind. I'm sure you can see where this is
going. Obviously this results in some very smelly and unhealthy trash.
Occasionally, the employee who runs the shift before mine allows the trash to
pile up, and if I have been off for a few days, I find the putrid odor almost
overwhelming and the task daunting.
My first inclination to a bad night
of trash dumping is to quit the job on the spot, This option, however, has not
served me well in the past and probably is one of the reasons for the sorry
state of my finances. Invariably, my next thought includes complaining to my
superior or the employees who didn't take out the trash before me. But, once
again, I am assured that pride is involved in that option. (Do all things
without complaining and disputing Phil. 2:14.)
I know
there is a fine line between allowing myself to be a doormat and disputing, but
I also know there is a way to make known my displeasure without complaining or
grumbling. I came to the conclusion tonight to talk to the employee who had the
shift before mine and just request that he do a little more trash work.
Approaching him in a gentle and non-judgmental way should result in a better
outcome anyway.
My next inclination after I recalled these verses to mind
and realized I had no excuse not to continue the work, was a wave of intense
self pity. How carnal and worldly can I get? That has always been the second
snare in my path to rebellion.. If pride won't get me, maybe self pity will. No,
not this time, I have the ability to choose. I choose not to feel sorry for
myself, and to remember the lowly service of Jesus, who made Himself of no
reputation, taking the form of a servant. He humbled Himself and became obedient
to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Surely this small
service of mine, which takes less than an hour each night, is far less
humiliating and devastating than death on the cross. Perhaps it's the death of
self, the death I need to suffer in order to do the least. And, if I am finally
willing to do the least, maybe the best will follow.
Jay Hopson is currently living in Amarillo, Texas and soon relocating to Ontario, Canada. Your comments are appreciated.
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I felt such a serious subject needed a little light heartedness. I just found joyfultoons. com and the creator it very generous and wanting to spread the Word through his cartoons.
this was a well written article, i like the cartoon, and i understand the essence of what you are saying. when you are a mom of 3, there are many things that happen that you've never experienced before, but to be a mom is one's job at the moment, and we do what we have to do. of course, my cat has humbled me most of all with her "presents" such as a stiff head of a chipmunk left proudly on my bed, or a baby rabbit dropped at my feet, unfortunately not moving. there is a time for everything. thanks for sharing,
Great article, Jay - on a subject Christians don't talk about often enough! That verse "do everything without complaining and grumbling" nails me everytime!! Funny, I keep trying to find the place where the Bible talks about my "rights" and I can't find it.
Reading your article was refreshing. It was humbling to read about another man's struggle with pride. I to suffer from the misconception of pride. This society breeds it in men. We are not allowed to show restrait and reserve.
Our masculinity is defined by our abiliity to exhort ourselves beyond the boundaries of our control, and only thing we really control is ourself.
Pride is the misunderstanding of our ability to want to control everything arounds us. However, if we just submit to God's will. Yes I used the word submit that is not often associated with men relative to God. All we need to do is trust him.
I applaud you. Continue to be sensitive to the move of God in your life, and things of Jesus. His conduct code is the only one that has merit and will warrant the results you desire.
Take care and may God continue to bless you and yours.
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