3 Questions That Will Change You
God has been doing some serious heart surgery on me over the past few weeks. I’m a little embarrassed to admit this but God has pointed out to me, through a couple different situations, that I need to address the issue of pride in my ministry. Pride has become this insidious and destructive thing that has kept me from becoming the leader God wants me to be and furthermore it’s become a thick barrier to my relationship with God.
It was C.S. Lewis who said,
As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.
This recent journey has led me to three questions that have been keeping me up late at night, causing me to break out in a cold sweat, and exposing traces of pride I didn’t even know existed. I dare you. No, I double dog dare you to slow down for a minute and honestly ask yourself these three questions.
1) Am I willing to allow another person to do what I think I must do?
2) Am I willing to do what I am doing, even if no one else knows I am doing it?
3) Am I willing to let God use me for a season, and then be okay with Him later putting my work into the hands of another?
Which question leaves you the most exposed?
70 Comments:
I kind of struggle with #3. I am going to be a missionary in Germany. I don’t mind stepping out of the way say like when I am in my 70′s. Right now I am only 31 and hope God uses me there for several years.
From reading good leadership books I do understand that we are all used just for a season and the day will come when we have to let loose our position to another. Jesus did and so must we, though it may be difficult to do.
David Knapp´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday (9)
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lindiwe makhalima Reply:
June 6th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
We have just started our church in South Africa Township Soweto. I suppose I struggling with #3: The whole thought of not doing it God’s way, I relate this to Saul and David.
Saul doing it his way and loosing the Spirit of God. That gives me goose bumps.
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David Knapp
6:45 am
#2 is the tough one for me. I tend to seek validation from others. Yuck. That’s nothing but the fear of man instead of the fear of God. Thanks for the finger in my chest, Pete.
Jonathan Riggs´s last blog ..Hymns Available at LifeWayWorship.com
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 8:06 am
I’m with you Jonathan!
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Bobby McKee Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 9:18 am
I too Jonathan struggle somewhat with number two. I try to hide it from others but sometimes, I’m sure it shows.
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Jonathan Riggs
6:50 am
Went through a heavy #3 but it was the best school of the Spirit time in my life. Came out of it with a stonger view of partnership with God. Following Him – not a project. Since then, living under the influence of this truth and really enjoying the peace He’s brought to me in this area. God rocks!
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Colleen Foshee
7:08 am
I think God may be nudging me slightly on the issue of Pride, imagine that! Went to Piper’s blog first thing this morning to read this….
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2186_success_can_be_perilous/
and then came here. As I search my heart often and ask God “why” on the many mistakes and choices I have made, it always seems to come back to Pride and Selfishness.
It MUST be on the forefront of our daily battle to choose God.
Pete, thank you so much for your transparency and I would offer Piper’s post as some encouragement to you today.
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Thanks so much. Can’t wait to read it.
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cshell
7:17 am
All three I think really. But just reading #3 hit a nerve.
Sarah´s last blog ..25 Years & 11 Months
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Sarah
7:51 am
I struggle most with number 1. I *might* have some control issues that lead me to believe if I’m not doing it, that it won’t be done right. Well, who am I really to decide if it’s in fact right or not. It would be done different but that isn’t wrong…
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 8:06 am
Those control issues can be nasty can’t they Lori. So glad I don’t struggle with them.
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Lori
7:59 am
I’ve learnt that leadership is never to be held onto with a closed fist, but an open palm. There’s a quote out there that says “There is no success without a successor.”
I think once we come to terms with the fact that nothing is really “ours” (a project, a calling, a church…) but ultimately God’s, it becomes easier to pass the batton on when God shows us that our time in that particular role is up.
I’ve recently gone through giving up a ministry (only to have it handed back again… LONG story) and surprisingly, the Lord had already done the work in me that it was relitively easy to go “yup, here you go!” For a while there, a year or so ago, all THREE of those questions would have made me squirm. I’m so glad God had delt with those issues BEFORE they could have become a problem
I love how you are so honest, Pete. It’s so refreshing and encouraging. Thank you.
Jen´s last blog ..Just Ducking In…
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Jen
8:06 am
#3 for me as well… because it implies the other two: letting someone else do what I think I must do and giving up the position probably right when it’s getting the recognition.
It’s sowing and letting someone else reap (without anyone recognizing the sowing).
Yeah, not cool in my mind.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
bondChristian´s last blog ..How to increase someone’s longsuffering
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bondChristian
8:13 am
Definitely #1. It is hard for me to give over the reigns and let someone else lead. I want to do everything myself so I can be “proud of what I’VE done”.
Megan´s last blog ..College Nights and Lights Tours
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Megan
8:18 am
#1 grabs me the most. I can, and have done, #2 and #3. My pride tells me that I can do things better than someone else – be it my spouse, my child, my co-worker! Ouch. It hurts to think of the possibilities I’ve limited myself to, and to them, too.
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Vicki
8:18 am
Fortunately I’m not in a position where I struggle with any of those 3 right now. I know, thought, that there will be a time when I will. I don’t think that when we get into ministry and get in a position that we won’t face these issues, everyone does.
I admire the fact that a pastor can admit he struggles with pride issues because being the overall spiritual leader of a church can lead to you being put on a pedestal that can really be difficult to overcome. I don’t envy the struggles that any pastor has to deal with because of the “celebrity” status that his position may garner.
Chris Gunnels´s last blog ..Ok God, I Don’t Need You Anymore!
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Chris Gunnels
8:25 am
#1 I am OK with. 2 and 3, not so much. I very much want the recognition, praise and acknowledgements that come from being the one did the work. It’s sick and unfullfilling.
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kevin
8:35 am
Boy did I have to deal with #1 yesterday here at work. Am still feeling the stilletto marks on my back no matter how many times I tell myself it was just my “perception”….am now thinking maybe it’s satan’s long, sharp fingernails instead. Thanks for allowing the Spirit to use you to prick my conscience.
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 9:48 am
You bet Karen. Praying for your journey!
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Karen
8:37 am
Currently, I’m not struggling with any of the three. But in the past I have struggled with all of them. #1 left me feeling most vulnerable and angry.
Now you’ve got me wondering how such struggles are related to age, upbringing, gender, and personality types. The older I get, the more I think that life is about being and not doing. As I have looked back upon the legalistic and performance-based approval system regulating my childhood, I have begun to let go of it. As an introvert, I have never enjoyed being the center of attention–even if I do take pride in what I do in a private sense.
Probably all of these things factor in to such struggles in subtle ways and make the journey seem lonely at times. We humans are simply fascinating!
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ttm
8:48 am
I just love your transparency, Pete!!
Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- Pray for Haiti!
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Lauren Kelly
8:51 am
Wow. So #2 is my vice. In the past two years I have surrendered #3 into other hands and at a time when thought I was just beginning. And a part of that slowing, handing over brought a huge shift in #1. I had to let others do the things I thought I should be doing…there was no choice.
So I am left with #2…wanting others to see the ways that I have suffered. Wanting them to understand. Wanting them to see my sacrifice.
It’s nasty. This pride thing. It shows its’ face at the worst times and in the most despicable ways {I just used my best Daffy Duck impersonation for that one….despicable}.
This verse from Proverbs keeps smacking me,”Fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom…”
Great questions, Pete.
jessica´s last blog ..Pride & Prejudice
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jessica
8:51 am
I struggle with#2 . Such anecessary post. Thank you
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Kelli
8:54 am
Great quote & questions.
- Do I “think” of others in private as I “treat” them to their face?
Nick´s last blog ..Helping Haiti (UPDATED)
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 9:49 am
Nick, I think these 3 questions are painful enough. Why do you have to add a 4th???
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Nick Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 5:14 am
Haha, yeah, I know…this one’s been exposing me lately.
Nick´s last blog ..Helping Haiti (UPDATED)
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Nick
8:54 am
Dang it Pete! Why are you always stretching me and challenging me?!?!
Every time I read through my feeds, you’re over here calling me out and making me man up to junk! Ugh!
Thank man! I need this stuff!!
Aaron Reddin´s last blog ..Book Sneeze Takes “Bless You” to Another Level
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Aaron Reddin
8:54 am
Ugh! I have had to ask myself those questions a lot in the past couple of years… BUT I know I need to be facing those questions everyday… so ummm, thanks for the reminder!
Becky´s last blog ..Not only pray
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Becky
8:58 am
#2 is the hardest for me as well. It can be difficult remaining faithful in what you’re called to do when you see little validation that you are in fact doing what you’re called to do. The devil can alomst take the day off as we (and by we I mean ME) scrutinize and doubt our ministry and our calling, forgetting how clear it was when God put us there and how much joy we found in Him. So we soon, or eventually, start looking for measurable and visible affirmations that we are doing something good and worthwhile. The solution is obvious, I suppose: refocus on God. But the reminder is always needed – always helpful.
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LeeG
9:01 am
great questions. #3 was a big struggle for me. 6 years ago i went into ministry, leaving the corporate world to follow where God was leading me. After 5 years i found myself back out o ministry, not at my choosing and asking God serious questions about the direction of my life. These last several months have been a struggle with that question among others, but have a good peace at this point…and i look forward to the next chapter.
brian miller´s last blog ..love haunts
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brian miller
9:03 am
I’d have to go with #1.
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Georges
9:04 am
Pete, For years #1 was a real issue for me and I can’t honestly say I’m over it yet. I always think I know better than God and He keeps reminding me I’m not. I want things my way and He reminds me that My Way isn’t always the Kingdom Way. I still have to learn to Seek First HIS Kingdom.
In terms of pride and “Am I willing to allow another person to do what I think I must do?” and the fretting about church planting and building, some of the best work on this topic was done by Peter Scazzero in his book (now a study series as well) The Emotionally Healthy Church.
Scazzero’s book is actually scary and threatening to work through because it attacks the pride issues so directly and without much mercy.
One of the contributors to THE NINES, Judy West at THE CROSSING (near St. Louis), reports in her video on the impact “The Emotionally Healthy Church” has had on her church.
http://thenines.leadnet.org/west.htm
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 9:50 am
I love that book and highly recommend it!!!
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Mike in Milwaukee
9:07 am
I would have to say #2 because I’m a very expressive person (being a writer) it’s hard for me not to share what’s going on in my life so that God (and myself because of my pride) can get the glory. Thanks for sharing! Tough, but good stuff…
Renee Johnson´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus
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Renee Johnson
9:09 am
Wow, definitely #1. God has been dealing with me about this exact thing during the past couple of weeks. And it’s caused me to question if I am in the right place. I continue to look to Him to show me the answer, because I sure don’t have it on my own.
Michelle´s last blog ..Imagine
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Michelle
9:14 am
#2 I think is my big one. The way I was raised taught me to seek people’s approval and that was very important to do. So that one is hard because I constantly want people’s approval for what I do. But if they don’t know I did it, they won’t “approve” me. Guess I need to find my approval in God, not man. Tough stuff. Thanks for the gut check.
Stan´s last blog ..New Home! New Team!
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Stan
9:17 am
Pete – Thank you for being real and showing your struggles. Great leaders don’t lead because they are perfect… I think we sometimes forget about this.
I definitely have an issue with pride. Back in college, I was president of several committees, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes. FCA became my “baby” in a sense. I had such a heart for my teammates and fellow athletes and I was sure of my calling to reach them. I saw God move in athlete’s lives and I was floored at God’s use of me. As graduation time came I honestly thought “How are they going to do this without me?” As if it were ME in the first place! I still think about those days and wonder if the monster of me outshined the glory of God.
It was HIS plan to begin with, and only through Him that I had a chance to impact any lives at all.
So I definitely have a control issue… and a pride issue… and a recognition issue…
Let’s just call it the human condition. I suffer from it greatly and am challenged with it daily!
Christina Ludwick´s last blog .."I’m Standing on the Rock"
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Christina Ludwick
9:17 am
I have trouble with the use for a season concept because I have so much trouble being idle. Waiting on God is hard for me and when a season is coming to a close and someone else is taking it makes me fear another long season of nothing. (That’s assuming the change is God’s doing and not man’s doing…)
Jason´s last blog ..31 Days In Proverbs Day 13: When dreams don’t come true
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Jason
9:17 am
Definitely number 2…I struggle to do things without getting credit.
I think where this starts to take over my life is when my ministry starts to become about me and not about God.
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Renee Johnson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Me too Kyle!!! I aree.
Renee Johnson´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus
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Kyle Reed
9:30 am
I’m getting better about #1, and #3 doesn’t seem to be anything I come up against that regularly. But #2 is my downfall. Even when I tell myself I’m doing things for the “right” reasons and that I should just keep my good deeds to myself, I am bad about finding some little way to mention them. It’s awful. It really does take all of the joy out of the acts, and it makes me feel small!
Jan C´s last blog ..On Hiatus
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Jan C
9:58 am
Thank you for your transparency Pete. It speaks volumes. I needed this.
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Morgan
10:03 am
I have dealt with all 3 in the past. Rough lessons, all, but well worth the pain I went through to achieve the growth that I needed. We are getting ready to open a new country to missions for the UPCI, so #3 will certainly come into play in the future. Praying that God is able to work in and through us, and that the struggle won’t occur…
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Glenda Alphin
10:04 am
Having lived through the answers a few times both professionally and on the ministry side, and I’ll tell you that these are 3 great questions. And, I’ve found that no matter how much you think you may have prepared, you’re never really prepared. The hard part is that you know that God gave you that ministry to create, develop,manage,or lead (and the same on the business/professional side as well) and when He says that it’s time to hand it off, it’s still hard to let go… Still hard to get that pride out of the way… Still hard not to question/ask God as to why. The key to reducing that pride is to continue to pray… seeking Him and preparing for what He may have next. Knowing that next may be after some time spent with Him worshiping, renewing, strengthening and growing. Keep the Faith
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Marty Stubblefield
10:18 am
Wow. Number 3 pretty much just slapped me in the face with everything I am dealing with. Its something Ive really been struggling with and keeping me from honestly looking at the options that are set in front of me. Wow, thank you.
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Tanner Pemelton
10:19 am
Excellent, important, probing questions. The second one is the one that usually exposes my pride and love of recognition.
Barry Wallace´s last blog ..Birth control pills and Abortion
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Barry Wallace
10:36 am
Ouch! Those questions feel like a cheese grater rubbing against my heart–so I guess I’d better print them out, think hard on them and pray–the fact that I feel like I want to repel from them is telling.
Thank you Pete, for asking the tough questions–and for wrestling with them yourself.
And thank You, Lord, for revealing these things to us so they can be removed from between us and You.
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Tina Dee
10:57 am
Going to be a leader?? Obama just signed an Executive Order creating a “Council of Governors” by executive order. This “Council of Governors” – via the Executive Branch – will then control state and federal troops on American shores used to control the American population.
We’re on the verge of Civil War.
How about you WAKE UP and realize the danger – stop believing the mainstream press – and realize that every Christian in this nation is marked for annihilation.
That would be nice.
In the meantime, I’ll prepare to take leadership – and I have quite a lot to say to negligent, indolent, culture-drunk pastors who don’t recognize the times.
I’ve been telling you that you have FAILED in you position and are NOT leading.
I’m glad to hear the Lord has been dealing with you.
Laura – preparing for Civil WAr… are you??
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l
11:08 am
Lucky for YOU and the church of Jesus Christ in the USA that GOD isn’t asleep on the throne. Lucky for YOU and the church of Jesus Christ in the USA that God has an apostle at the ready waiting for His command to stand up, launch a Great Awakening, and stand against the planned annihilation of Christians in this nation.
You get ready to hear me speak. I’ve been in prayer, I have the call, and I am waiting on the Lord’s command.
I want to box your ears – and I will box the ears of pastors across the United States of America when I stand up and release an anointing of miraculous corporate healing and a Great Awakening unprecedented.
You are so lucky that not everyone was lured like you into acting like a child playing little games while Satan organized the genocide of Christians across the USA – and is on the verge of releasing totalitarian military control of the USA – while you were sleeping.
You have FAILED as a SHEPHERD and sit and play games like a child.
I am disgusted with what is behind the pews in teh United States of America.
You are so lucky God has an apostle at the ready.
Every Christian in the USA would die if God had not prepared me for this hour.
Get ready to hear my speech when I release the Great Awakening.
And if you think I’m joking – while you were playing board games – I was hearing from God.
You might sit there and laugh like an ignorant child who doesn’t want to grow up and be a amn and face the reality of evil and the present danger.
You are lucky that God is on the throne and has an apostle at the ready prepared for the hours that quickly approach.
You didn’t watch for evil – and instead fell asleep at your post playing board games and psychobabble and trying to be hip and cool by the measure of this culture… along with many others.
Get ready.
I’m perfectly serious and accurate.
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Tony York Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Just said a prayer for you.
Tony York´s last blog ..Like a Child
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I’ll join you Tony. Thanks for setting the good example.
That’s what I get for writing that post the other day entitled “shut up”.
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jessica Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
{Perfectly serious and accurate}…hard to take it that way.
jessica´s last blog ..Pride & Prejudice
Kyle Reed Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
At least leave your name so I know who to watch for.
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Jason Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
“Every Christian in the USA would die if God had not prepared me for this hour.”
So you’re keeping me from being face to face with Jesus? That’s rather rude.
Jason´s last blog ..31 Days In Proverbs Day 13: When dreams don’t come true
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l
11:22 am
Pete, your #1 and Nick’s #4…I struggle with both of those!
Thank you for your transparency Pete.
bluegoose´s last blog ..A Fitting Memorial
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bluegoose
11:29 am
And I repeat, “We humans are simply fascinating!”
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ttm
11:30 am
A few months ago I would have said #2 but I am honestly seeing some improvement in this area.
Right now its #1…am I walking the walk?
Amy´s last blog ..I Shall be Last
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Amy
11:53 am
1) Am I willing to allow another person to do what I think I must do?
– Many hands make light work. I keep learning this one. There are so many ways I could go with this answer that I can’t fully put it to words in this moment. I would have to start by analyzing why it is I think I ‘must’ do it. That alone is a post in and of itself.
2) Am I willing to do what I am doing, even if no one else knows I am doing it?
– I can see where this a difficult question for clergy… they are always in the fish tank for all to see. For many of us, the majority of what we do is behind the scenes. I hadn’t thought about this question too deeply but will have to think on it more.
3) Am I willing to let God use me for a season, and then be okay with Him later for putting my work into the hands of another?
– Was it ever really ‘my’ work. I think that is where we get in trouble. When our focus becomes about our own legacy and not the kingdom, then it becomes ‘my’ work instead of His will. (Not pointing this comment outside of anyone but myself.)
Tony York´s last blog ..Like a Child
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Tony York
11:54 am
Recently while helping a dear friend on an ongoing basis, #3 has been right there in what is going on. But its been worth the effort even if I don’t get anything back. Surprisingly, I found a new sense of confidence, even when new friends think I should bail out on this one friend.
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Daniel Whitaker
12:22 pm
Pete,
Great blog, great questions. Grateful that God’s working through you and you are sharing authentically.
1) Am I willing to allow another person to do what I think I must do?
I sure hope so. In every area but my role as wife and mother, I think I could easily let go. Those other roles.. I’ll have to pray about that.
2) Am I willing to do what I am doing, even if no one else knows I am doing it?
God took me through a season of unexpected (very public) role in ministry to grow and humble me, I am convinced. I HOPE, I have learned this lesson, cause I sure don’t want to go back there. SO.. YES! I love sacrificial and quiet serving without others knowing. It’s all about God getting the GLORY. I don’t want any of it. Nada.
3) Am I willing to let God use me for a season, and then be okay with Him later for putting my work into the hands of another?
I’m still dealing with this one. God used me for a season in leadership in an area and then put my work into the hands of another. It’s hard to watch lessons and growth or no growth happen. I am definitely okay with it now, I still grapple with feeling responsible to some degree. Hope that makes sense.
Which question leaves you the most exposed? Definitely #3. I’d love it if He’d work it out in my heart already!!
Dedra´s last blog ..ready or not… I am headed to Blissdom ’10
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Dedra
1:02 pm
Wow…so many comments…obviously you are not alone in your battle.
#1 is where I struggle the most. I like to think I’m much less of a control freak than I used to be but let’s just say God isn’t finished with me yet.
joyce´s last blog ..The Random Continues in 2010
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joyce
1:19 pm
#3 is particularly hard for me right now. It’s so hard to feel unused at the moment. So very, very hard.
Jan Owen´s last blog ..Come Alongside the Brokenhearted
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
I’m with you Jan! Praying for you.
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Jan Owen Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Thank you Pete. I appreciate your support. BTW, I believe that “rant” above is written by someone who might be mentally ill. I’m not being mean but that doesn’t sound sane. I’ll pray you are protected.
Jan Owen´s last blog ..Come Alongside the Brokenhearted
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Jan Owen
2:17 pm
Great insight Pete. I think I would lean towards question #2. I really want people to notice I’ve done a good thing. Whether that’s a pride issue or a behavioral profile I’m not quite sure. However, for me, I think the harder question is “Would I continue to do what I’m doing even if I never saw the results?”
I can turn things over. I can let go of a mission or task. That’s no problem because I know God will bring along something else. But if I don’t get a sense of actually making a difference??? I’m not sure how I’d handle being some of those OT prophets.
Flat out, pride sucks. But it’s also a constant and welcomed reminder that I am a man, yielding all that I am to one who creates beautiful tapestry from my torn remnants.
Angus Nelson´s last blog ..Haiti Heartbreak
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Angus Nelson
2:32 pm
Reading the first sentence of the CS Lewis quote knocked me up-side-the head. I have shared before that I am an addict in recovery. So many people that come to the rooms go back out. It is a hard concept for some that unless I surrender ALL, I cannot recover. I cannot know God. As long as I keep that wall of pride up, there is no way to move forward. I just stagnate. Stuck in a past that is uncomfortable. Stuck in a past I would rather not remember. Stuck in a past that is godless. When I stopped abusing drugs, my mind cleared. I went back to the God who never left me. The song by Jeremy Camp is going on in my head. “lay down my pride”. It is a must. Absolutely. As for the question. Probably #2. Part of what I am discovering about me is that I never got that pat on the back for anything. Through all of my achievements. Through helping raise my 2 brothers (even though we had a 2 parent home). Graduation from high school. Graduation from pharmacy school. My marriage. The birth of our daughter. Thankfully, I don’t blame anyone for these things. It is part of my life story. It is part of who I am. But, it doesn’t have to surround me like quicksand anymore. I choose humility. Awesome topic.
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Thanks for sharing Shellie. Powerful stuff there.
pete wilson´s last blog ..3 Questions That Will Change You
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Shellie (baylormum)
2:42 pm
2 for me. I have been working on a project and found myself wanting credit for the time and energy I had invested. I caught myself in that moment and thought – this is not why I am doing it, so why am I annoyed at the lack of acknowledgment? I guess we kid ourselves into thinking we deserve kudos for everything.
Lindsey Nobles´s last blog ..Go Ahead…Commit Me
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Lindsey Nobles
3:41 pm
I heard Andy Stanely speak about training to replace ourselves. This enables growth as opposed to restricting it.
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Lance
4:27 pm
All 3 but no. 2 is definitely hard. It’s natural to want to be recognized it is supernatural to be willing to work behind the scenes with no recognition at all.
I’ll never forget when I was an assistant pastor and leading a ministry in the church. I came in and noticed the foyer needed a good vacuuming so I got to work. As people came in they began to say things like “Look Pastor Bill doing the cleaning. What a servant.” I started looking forward to that next person to come through the door and notice me HUMBLY serving so my pride could be stroked again. The Lord was quick to point out the pride in my heart.
Bill Foote´s last blog ..The Death of a Dream
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Bill Foote
4:30 pm
I ask myself #2 EVERYDAY. My two passions are my boys (two under 5) and my writing. Every morning, before darkness becomes light – before coffee comes to wake me fully – I surrender and say, “I do”.
Faith Barista | Bonnie´s last blog ..God Is My Father, Not the Bus Driver — Blessing In Learning To Wait
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Great idea Bonnie!
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Faith Barista | Bonnie
4:41 pm
#2 – but God does. He wants a cheerful giver. That’s why I like the behind-the-scenes stuff. I know He is appreciative of my “work”. That’s all that matters; the only One I desire to please. Ü
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Jan
5:43 pm
1 & 2 are my biggest struggles!
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Janet
7:10 pm
1 – because I want things done my way.
2 – that really depends on what “that” is…
Either way I struggle with pride so it seems
Janet´s last blog ..Reflections
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Janet
7:12 pm
I’d have to say all three questions leave me exposed. I know that may be a cop out but its true. I believe that I have alot to work on this year.
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
That’s not a cop out Amy. All 3 of them leave me exposed as well.
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Amy
8:06 pm
#1 for me. I am a control freak in some regards. I trust people but it just takes a lot for me to let go of something initially. Learning every day!
#3 I used to a little but then when I stopped thinking of it as “My work” versus “His work” then I started to become more okay with realizing it’s all relative. I still lose focus many times but try to intentionally think of what I do as ultimately working for Him.
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Daniel Decker
9:02 pm
Wow, just have been studying Ephesians 4 this week and how we must be humble and meek to allow His Spirit of unity to be within us…
So — my eyes are being opened to all 3 of these as well.
I would have to say I’ve struggled with all 3 — but maybe 1 and 2 the most.
Catherine´s last blog ..A Special Day…
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Catherine
10:49 pm
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Bryan Fryer
11:19 pm
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Bryan Fryer
11:20 pm
Thanks for this today Pete. I’m working through some major burnout issues in my personal and ministry life and these questions really helped me nail down some root issues on my journey here.
Question 1: I’ve got to let go and not feel I have to do it all
Question 2: I’ve got to live for God’s approval and man’s. God gives me my identity not people.
Question 3: I’ve got to let God build HIs kingdom not me build mine.
Thanks so much! It was a divine appointment for me.
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Scott Hobbs
7:16 am
Wow. #2 is my flesh killer. God has used the last five-seven year window of my life to break down the pride in my heart. There were times when I had the nerve to complain to God that I felt “invisible.”
Um, ya think? That’s the point. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
The more focused I am on being zealous for God and His glory, the less concerned I am about my “shine time.”
missional girl´s last blog ..“Port-Au-Prince is flattened.”
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 15th, 2010 at 6:17 am
I think you’ve keyed in on the solution. Focus on being zealous for God and His glory!!!!
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missional girl
6:35 pm
Being the Worship host for our Celebrate Recovery Service became a “flesh thing” of privledge and status.
I saw this happening to me and took it to God. He lead me to go get off the stage and go open the front door for people.
I still do this to this day. Here is the kicker! We got a new Pastor for our Celebrate Recovery. When he arrived, he joined me at the front door and added a hug to the ministry.
P.S. I am also back to doing the Worhship hosting not only at our CR but also the “big church”.
I know give God the glory!
John
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John
6:53 am
Mine is definately question one. I can easily delegate and empower others to do most of our ministry, but there are some things that I pridefully hold on to. I truly hope God shows me the err in my ways and gives me the strength to let go…thanks for a great challenge
Jay´s last blog ..Which One Are You, Part Two
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Jay
7:57 am
Totally off topic: I think it’s great you have a C.S.Lewis tag on this and one other post. I don’t know much about CS Lewis aside from The Lion/Witch/Wardrobe movie/books. I’m taking a college course that starts next Tuesday titled, “C.S. Lewis: The Great Communicator.” It’s an honors course on communication. I thought it was interesting that the very liberal Texas State Univesity was going to offer a class on someone like CS Lewis since he’s more affiliated with the Christian sector of society. So, now that I’ve gone totally off topic of your pride issue – what do you like most about CS Lewis? I’m trying to formulate some kind of opinion about him before class starts. All I really know is that I LOVE the new version of the movie (Lion/Wardrobe). I realize CS Lewis likes to say it is not a Christian allegory, but please – who is he kidding?!?!
On your topic of pride – Thank you for admitting it. No, really. It’s nice to know a “human” pastor. Most of the pastors I’ve ever known have always held themselves above reproach even though they tried to act like they were humble. That’s called arrogant hypocrisy and it destroys the body of Christ.
2) I have been thinking about that Love Dare book and how it really forces the acting partner to put their pride away and serve their spouse. If active Christians served the church body like that book suggests one spouse serve the other – I bet the church body would be one heck of a place to gather come Sunday morning! Pride is a dreadful thing.
3) You’ve inspired me a little bit to be more honest with myself. Lately I’ve been feeling very self-centered/self-focused. I need to shift my vision.
Sarah Walston´s last blog ..P90X Update: Week 2, Day 3
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 16th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Sarah, I’ve got to read that Love Dare book. Heart lots of good things about it.
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Sarah Walston
4:01 pm
Wow, dejavu. Pete, you and I had this email conversation about this same topic a year ago. I don’t know if you remember or not, but we talked about being willing to leave a great job if it were God’s will for us to move on.
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Pete Wilson Reply:
January 16th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Crazy isn’t it?
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Des
9:56 pm
I often think that I just “have to” do something because “I’m” the one who can do it.
Then I remember how God used Baalam’s donkey.
Thanks for the post, Pete! Like a brother said “up the comment tree”, I needed the poke in the chest!
Buddy Knight´s last blog ..“SEX: What Was God THINKING???!!!”Part IV – A SONG OF…EQUALITY
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Buddy Knight
8:52 pm
I’m dealing with #1 and #3 right now. I just keep mumbling to myself, “Be quiet, they’ll figure it out”.
Pearl´s last blog ..My Prayer for Us
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Pearl
3:37 pm
Wow! Thanks for the honesty and thanks for the challenge. A recent opportunity of ministry put me in the “spotlight” for a while and people are constantly coming up to me and complimenting my “performance.” It has been very uncomfortable for me to accept the compliments. However, at the same time, it makes me feel good.
The thing about this idea of dealing with pride for me is not so much that I have to be in the limelight, or think that I’m the only one who can do something. The issue for me is that I find myself “needing” the approval and praise of others in order to feel good about myself. I have to continue to remind myself that being faithful, committed and obedient to God’s call and the opportunities He gives me are all that matter. That will garner His “well done” and that must be enough.
Randy Kinnick´s last blog ..Taking Stock
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Randy Kinnick
6:48 pm
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