ME T-shirts

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (ESV)

Anytime I spend time in the Word and read about pride, it impacts me. I could go on and on about the life I led for most of my life; I lived a life defined by pride. It was almost a game of seeing how far I could push myself to see what I could attain. My motto was always, “You don’t know your limits until you find them”.  Those pursuits landed me all sorts of financial debt and emotional pain. When God had enough of my selfish pursuits, he turned off power switches and took me down great roads of wonder and pain. He humbled me financially to the point it looked as though bankruptcy was the only option. He humbled me physically with a shoulder injury that even the doctors could not explain. It even seems to this day He continues the physical side of sanctifications work in me; he knows I still rest on my pride of continually pushing myself to the limits. I cannot help but wonder how far I, and He, will continue down this road.

Paul was writing here in Romans of the sovereignty of God prior to this; of how once we realize that everything is by his hand, (Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen).it should become a sobering moment in our lives, and should transform our lives forever. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Paul was beyond qualified as prideful with his pedigree; raised and educated as the epitome of a devote Jew to the point of religious persecution, even to the point of death of those that followed Christ; until Christ struck him blind on that Damascus road. Paul’s life changed in the blink of a blinded eye; Paul was humbled by the grace of God that chose not to kill him, but to use him to preach the Gospel that he had condemned to the point of murder.

This world teaches pride, this world teaches selfishness; look out for yourself to the point and understanding that no-one else will. If we each are so worried about ourselves, how could anyone have any concern and show love for their fellow man? The evidences of a world wrapped up in pride are evident to each of us every day in countless ways; from the lack of integrity in the business world, to day to day encounters with people in life. Everyone should wear a t-shirt with “It is all about ME” printed on the front. Spend time in the book of Romans 12 today; Paul teaches the exact opposite. He teaches a sacrificial life to the One whom gave and sustains your life. Which one will matter for eternity?