the key to humility

the power is out. again. we can't use the coffee maker. again. the baby was up every hour. all. night. long. my mini-meatloaves failed. the carrots and zucchini burned. these are the thoughts swirling in my head on Tuesday morning.  we're one month in to our second term, and I'm feeling it! the honeymoon is over.

Oh, the pride in thinking i am too good for inconvenience, let alone suffering.  I deserve consistent power. I deserve one solid night of rest. etc. It simply isn't true. and yet i operate as if it is. The truth is "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution..." 2 Timothy 3:12... and this isn't persecution. This isn't even suffering. This is inconvenience. What I really deserve is eternal condemnation, because I am a sinner.  But He is gracious.

I deserve none of the good things I have. He generously gives us all things. The key to humility is recognizing how much He has already given.  The key is gratitude.  I am humbled as I look around me and see all He has done for me. And I slander the name of God when I complain about what He has allowed in my life.  And in Titus this week I've been reminded that older women are not slanderers... they are teachers of good things... -Titus 2:3

Here are the true and good things I need to be reminded of:

• The grace of God has appeared to all men. (Titus 2:11)
• I have a blessed hope. (Titus 2:13)
• One day there will be a glorious appearing. (Titus 2:13)
• He gave Himself for me. (Titus 2:14)
• I am redeemed. (Titus 2:14)
• I am special to Him. (Titus 2:14)
• He has given kindness and love in Christ. (Titus 3:4)
• His mercy has saved me. (Titus 3:5)
• The Holy Spirit has been poured out abundantly on me. (Titus 3:5-6)
• I am an heir in Christ. (Titus 3:7)
• I have been justified. (Titus 3:7)

these are things we ought to affirm constantly...these things are good and profitable to think on... -Titus 3:8

What do you do when pride sneaks up and rears its ugly head?  What are you grateful for today?

I'm linking up at The Grove today at velvetashes.com