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Monday, July 11, 2016

Monday Morning Devo: Proud?


"...but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20b, NKJV

I hope you all are wearing steel toed boots this morning, because I'm probably going step on a few. I'm wearing all kinds of protective armor against the kicks some will level back at me, too.

This month, we constantly hear patriotic songs such as, "I'm Proud to be an American." Am I? No, not really. I'm glad that I live here, and I honor the ones who gave their utmost so that I can live here. I take seriously the privileges and responsibilities of my US citizenship--I vote, pay my taxes, and diligently try to make my world a better, more loving place to live.

Do I love this bit of dirt that I call my land? No, it's just dirt. But I do love the sustenance, shelter, and beauty it gives back for the care I give it.

I can't say I'm proud to be a Christian either, but that comes a little closer. Grateful would be a more apt description, because it certainly isn't deserved. All I did was invite Jesus in, and He's done the rest. Any good that I do doesn't come remotely close to what He has done for me. He's written my name in Heaven.

I'm proud of my kids and step-kids and their offspring. I will be forever grateful God brought them into my life. I'm proud of the parents who raised me. I'm proud of the God who reached down to me when I was hurting and raised me up. Or maybe it's just that I love them all so very much.

Lord, help me remember not to be proud of "things" that cannot save me or anyone. Help me remember to honor generosity, courage, and overwhelming love. Thank You for always being here when I need you. Amen.

2 comments:

Laurie said...

Very good, and thanks for sharing. I often want to say I'm not proud to be American or Christian, but worry about how it will come across. Well said!

Anne Baxter Campbell said...

Thanks, Laurie. My feelings too.