Pastor Sean Palmer continued our recent series. In a "show-off" culture where we are prone to project a carefully crafted image of ourselves, prone to believe we are "better than....", how does Jesus lead us instead into the kind of humility which aligns our sight with reality? Are the deep divisions in our culture in part a product of individuals and groups lashing out over the need to feel significant at the expense of the other?
Text
Luke 18: 11-13
James 4: 10
Philippians 2: 6-11
According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind… it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began.
- C.S. Lewis
Confession Prayer in response to violence in Charlottesville, VA (link)
Reflection
Sean said that, "if no one has ever told you before, you need to know you ain't all that.... but you ain't all that bad either." In what ways are you personally prone to either puff yourself up in arrogance, or tear yourself down in shame? You are worthy, loved, and covered in grace. How might you restore greater balance in your self-image?
How do you use social media? Take a look back over recent postings. Can you begin to identify recurrent themes in what/how you're communicating? Where does healthy/harmful pride play a factor?
Are there people and groups to whom you feel, or have acted, superior? What triggers bring about these feelings? What tangible steps might you take toward embracing a more humble posture, praying for the state of your own heart in the matter?
Worship Set
Oh How I Need You (Find You)
Solid Rock
Mystery
God With Us
Sing To Jesus
Sweet Comfort