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One Thing That Changes (Almost) Everything

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If only the circumstance were different.  If only the relationship were different.  I wonder how much of life we spend wishing things were different?  What would you say if I told you things could be different?  What would you say if I told you that it was not going to cost you, though it might mean letting go of something that is not serving you but you feel compelled to serve?  What would you say if I said it all comes down to one word?  Simple.  Not easy.  One word.  With power to change you and thereby the lens through which you see life, circumstances, relationships.  It is not a new word, just an underused one, and certainly one that is under-applied.

 

Humility.

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Humility works and it is not just a Christian thing.  Even non Christians who exhibit humility find more  peace in relationships and circumstances.  (The advantage of Christianity is that in tis worldview humility and justice easily coexis).  By saying humility works, we do not mean that if you exhibit humility, those with whom you have strained relationships will reciprocate your actions.  We only mean to say that once in a while they will and when they do not, humility will help you live with greater peace.  In pain, suffering, and sorrow, humility ushers in what we need the most, a gracious hope.  Humility, an understanding of our nothingness before God, coupled with gratitude, that He gave His only Son to turn our nothingness into a part of His everlasting glory, fosters hope.  No matter how desolate life looks, God, who made everything out of nothing, is present.  There are times we may be powerless, left by all appearances, without hope.  Our hope does not come from within, it comes with above.  Not of our own doing, but of grace.   And to whom is this grace given without reservation?  

 

“But he gives more grace.  Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  James 4:6 (ESV)

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We make life much harder than it would have to be when we refuse to let go of our pride.  We cannot choose our circumstances, but we can choose to open (or close) the door to grace in the midst of them.  Stepping into humility may not change things, but it can remind us that things can change.  And that in itself changes (almost) everything.   

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