WHIPSAWED?

Genesis 11:1-13:4; Matthew 5:1-26; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 1:24-28

“At one time, the whole world spoke a single language…. ‘Let’s build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies – a monument to our greatness!’  …The Lord confused the people by giving them many languages, thus scattering them across the earth.”

“’You are the light of the world….  Don’t hide your light under a basket!  …Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.’”

“The proud will not be allowed to stand in your presence…. Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me.  Tell me clearly what to do, and show me which way to turn.”

“Let your light shine.” – Yes!

“Let’s build a tower.” – No!

“Let your good deeds shine.” – Yes!

But remember, “The proud will not… stand.”

Oh, good grief!  God did not need different languages to confuse me.  Just bringing these verses together did the trick nicely.  To do or not to do?  Is that really the question?  No; the question, of course, is who gets the glory.  That, and only that, determines what God will honor.

Pride has always been one of my spiritual issues.  There was no childhood distinction between doing my best and being the best.  I eventually did realize the best was beyond me.  But when one really honest look at even “my best” showed little to be proud of, and a self-image based mainly on blind and empty arrogance, all my macho was lost in an instant….

But the experience was not a waste.  A very understanding – and, fortunately, none too sympathetic – pastor taught me accomplishment is only half a concept.  Godly achievement is a two step process.  First, we are called to do our best.  Scriptures never support “good enough.”  There is NO glory in a job poorly done.   But second, somehow, when we don’t care who gets the glory, or more precisely, work to glorify God, the Lord Himself sanctifies our efforts, and that makes all the difference.

In this context, the plea of the Psalmist has new meaning.  Lead me, Lord, through your path between arrogance and confidence, and let my confidence be based only on your grace.  Bless my efforts to give you the glory, and turn me away from anything that would draw others away from you.