It is funny how hard it is to listen to others when I am only thinking about myself. Whether I am hurt, frustrated or in need, other voices can get really small. It is hard to listen to wisdom, even from God. Then, when my heart is not tuned to God’s voice, my ears and eyes also do not hear or see Jesus in those moments. Moments like that really create inward focus on my own importance or even arrogance. Have any of you ever experienced this?
When this happens to me, two verses come to mind that help me look to Jesus when I start becoming this way. First, Romans 12:16 (NLT) “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” I have to realize God puts people in my life to see him through them — He knows I need them! Psalm 17:10 (NIV) says, “They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.” When I speak with arrogance then I know my heart has stopped seeing God in the things or people around me.
It is these moments where I need to hit pause and be reminded how God cares for the birds and how much more He cares for me. It is those moments where I need the Gospel to speak into my heart and my mind so my eyes can see Him.
LIVE THE STORY
Pause and take a moment to be reminded of what the Gospel means to you (Romans 1:16). Take a moment to thank Jesus for what He does for you. Most of us are coupled up with everything going on, so let’s take a few minutes to give our worries to Jesus (Philippians 4:6-8). He is near, so go to Him with thanksgiving in your heart, so He can give you peace.
Jeremy Johnson
Pastor of Men’s Ministry