Power Over Pride...(Power Within Series Part I)

September 3, 2009

Danielle Joyner Kelley

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.

Often we want others to change in ways that benefit us. This is because we do not want to do the work it takes to bring about change in our own lives and we fail to see the power that is within us. However, we spend countless hours trying to convince others to change, and if we would invest that time into recognizing our own abilities, we will have completed the change we desire.

People often get caught up in judgment, revenge, complaining, and self-righteousness. When we do this we are tapping more into our pride than our power. For example, nothing hurts quite as much as when we fell unappreciated. Whether it is at work, in relationships, at home, or anywhere else, people hate to feel that their worth as a person is going unnoticed.

This is a common problem in our society. We are much better at saying “please” when we want something than we are at saying “thank you” when we have what we want. When we focus on the fact that someone did not say “thank you” we are showing that our pride is hurt and we tend to dwell on that fact.

If you catch yourself dwelling on your pride rather than your power remember that your Savior is the “same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. Through listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, that inner voice inside of you, you are working to be more in line with your Teacher. “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40. Simply put, you need to work in your own life to be consistent, and the same now, tomorrow and forever. Consistency equals dependability. Simply put, keep acting and stop reacting.

Remember you will be judged for your own actions, and not those of someone else. You are working to be like your Teacher, and He is the Judge. He will hold those accountable that need to be held accountable. You keep moving forward knowing that you are working for Him. “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:46-48.

Remember, you are aiming for rewards, not judgment. For every time you served someone else who forgot about you once their dilemma was over, God will bless you. Just as we are not to seek revenge, we are to seek only His reward and not that of man, with full assurance,

In Him, no good deed will go unnoticed.