Friday, March 2, 2012

PRIDE SYMPTOMS

Don't hold back-you're not going to come up short ... Isaiah 54:3

You'll rarely find pride-filled folk sharing food or allowing friends
to use their phone credit - but they'll often be happily chomping away
on friends' chocolates and finding emergency reasons to make calls on
their phones.

They're always last to get a round of drinks in, and make the most of
trying to avoid paying for a round at all. They never leave tips when
out for a meal. They'll only buy presents for someone who will give in
return, secretly hoping they get the best deal; they put coins and
never notes in the charity pot or collection plate; after all, their
need for that extra GHC 20.00 a month is always greater.

Another less obvious symptom of that same prideful heart is hoarding.
Every drawer, cupboard, room in their house jam-packed with stuff they
'just might need.' These folk become reluctant to give anything away
to help someone in need, just in case they may need it again; lending
out belongings is a definite no-no, for fear they will get damaged and
they will be left without. Their mindset is gimme-gimme, rather than
give and give again.

Happy to point this attitude out in other people, they're oblivious to
it flourishing in their own. Matthew 5:16 says '...Be generous with
your lives ...you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous
Father in heaven.' So no hoarding or stingy living for us; remember
'Don't hold back-you're not going to come up short' .

What now? Read 2 Corinthians 9:7-9. Think of a way to be
exceptionally generous today, then do it. Surprise someone by going
beyond their expectations!

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