I'm So Proud of My Humility
August 4, 2008
As a little girl, I recognized the power in achievement. I wanted to be the best, to be noticed and appreciated for my skills and abilities. And even as the shortest student in my class, I fought for-and often won-a place in the hierarchy of leadership. Kids usually wanted me on their team.
I knew God would want me on His team, too. So, when I was nine or ten years old, I walked down the aisle of my church and announced my plans to become a missionary. Even though I had no idea what salvation was, I promised God I would go anywhere and tell others about Him if he would just do one little, itsy-bitsy thing-let my hamster, Snowball, live.
Well, Snowball didn't make it. But I told God I'd be a missionary anyway. I'd keep my end of the bargain, even if He didn't keep His. And the simple fact that I could make such a promise proved I was missionary material!
In my young mind, I figured God was pretty lucky to have me, and I sure hoped He realized it. With my help, we were going to be able to do some amazing things together. It was a win-win situation for both of us.
As you've probably figured out, I never became a missionary. Instead, I grew up, married my high school sweetheart, and moved on with the important things of life. I went to church, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir.
I was just like the Pharisees. I looked good, I smelled good, but what did my heart say? What was my motive? What did God think of all my good deeds?
For years, I worked from a self-centered heart, performing the duties of a good little Christian. Without even realizing it, I was keeping score of my jobs, subconsciously adding them up and comparing them to others. I was giving from a heart of pride--one that hoped my good deeds could win the love and acceptance of a Holy God.
Are you like that? Are you keeping score? If so, let me tell you--the scoreboard is defective! Regardless of the numbers showing on the screen, it's wrong. Our good deeds don't win us any points. Without the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ, we have no points! Zero. Nada. The score is a gazillion to nothing, and we're on the losing side.
Praise God, the day finally came when I realized the true meaning of salvation. Twenty years after walking down that aisle to be a missionary, I finally understood grace and mercy and the gift Jesus offers through His blood on the cross. The power of His sacrifice became real, and I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. No more lists, no more weighing my good deeds against my bad. I knew the truth: Salvation wasn't based on my goodness. It was based on His grace.
But now, even as Christians who know the truth, there can still be times when pride and self-centeredness can take our eyes off what's important and focus our sight on us and our achievements.
And it can even happen in ministry.
This writing life is a very competitive market. It's easy to get caught up in our perceived successes and failures. We count our books and look at our numbers and discern our value to the Lord and His work...based on our human efforts.
And even though God loves us with an unconditional love, this pride grieves Him. Over and over, His Word warns us of pride and its destructive results. We often concentrate on how we appear, when it is our hearts--our intent--that is most important to God. He wants a heart of brokenness and sorrow. A heart that acknowledges His holiness and addresses our sin. A humble and contrite heart that trembles at His word (Isaiah 66:2b).
None of us have it all together; we haven't arrived. And yet, it's easy to find our worth in ourselves and our accomplishments, rather than in Him and His grace.
It's a fragile, fleeting worth.
Let's face it, we can be multi-published today and filled with rejection tomorrow. But the good news is He can use us, whether we have fans and a following or simply rewrites and rejections. The only thing we're accountable for are the words He gives us. It's His job to determine what is done with them. How much better to focus on the calling He has placed on our lives and leave the results to Him!
So today, let's commit together to offer our lives, our writing, our successes, and our failures to Him and let Him determine their use.
I have to admit, I'm still competitive. Even now, it doesn't matter if it's a card game, a talent show, or a round of leg wrestling, I want to win!
But the thing I want to win most is the battle with my heart. I want a heart that seeks to lift Him up, one that glorifies Him and allows His light to shine through me, regardless of my earthly success. I want others to look at me . . . but see Him! Isn't that what you want, too?
Mother Teresa once said, "Humility is truth. The path that will make us more like Jesus is the path to humility. Pride destroys everything."
Jesus died on the cross for one reason-so that all could be saved. Oh, how we need to be transparent, winsome witnesses for Christ, and boast not in what we do for Him, but only in what He did for us!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call for Kudos!
I know we just talked about not having a prideful heart, but celebrating each other's successes is one way we can honor Him. We're told to encourage each other, so let's do it!
Please email me at vondaskelton@charter.net with any news you have of a publishing credit, new contract, new ministry--anything that will encourage us all as writers. Remember, we're a body, and when one part celebrates we should all celebrate. No jealousy here, right?
Be sure to include your state, the publication, and any links, photos, etc that can help save me time. ;-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Could We Meet in August or September?
Several people have emailed me, asking if I'm going to be in their area any time soon, so I've decided to list any upcoming events in the next two months that are open to the public. I hope you'll check the list and see if we could connect. I'd love to see you there!
* August 8: Bethesda Baptist Church Women's Event, Whitmire, SC, 803-694-5664
* August 15: Radio Interview with Shellie Tomlinson, FM 92.7, 8-9AM CT, Monroe, LA
* August 21-22: Day 3 Church Women's Conference, Granite Falls, NC 828-320-7504
* August 29-31: Christian Writer's Retreat, Todd, NC, busygirlann@gmail.com
* September 4: Buford UMC Women's Event, Gaffney, SC, 864-489-7183
* September 6: Antioch Presbyterian Church Women's Workshop, Goldsboro, NC 919-735-3623
* September 11: Mauldin First Baptist Church Ladies' Night Out, Mauldin, SC, 864-288-7835
* September 12-13: NC Women's Prayer Evangelism Conference, Ridgecrest, NC, 1-800-588-7222
* September 17: Fourth Presbyterian Church Fellowship, Greenville, SC 864-232-8123
* September 19-20: Aiken Children's Book Festival, Aiken, SC, 803-643-3198
* September 25: Philippi Baptist Church Women's Event, Union, SC, 864-427-8726
* September 26-27: Christian Author's Guild Writer's Conference, Woodstock, GA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Roommate Needed for SC Writer's Workshop
Jo Rae Johnson is looking for a female roommate/car rider to share expenses for the SC Writers Workshop. If you're interested, please contact Jo Rae at t4me@bellsouth.net.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Learn to be a Freelance Writer with John Riddle!
You may remember one of my mentors way back when I started writing was John Riddle. In this interview, he talked about how he spends his time encouraging and teaching writers around the world. I'm pleased to announce that John is offering his mentorship program to readers of The Christian Writer's Den at half-price! But the deadline is August 10, so don't delay. For more information, contact John at johnriddle@sprintmail.com and be sure to let him know you're part of The Christian Writer's Den.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And now, I leave you with these words from Paul. May they remind us to examine our hearts frequently.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Philippians 2:3-4
I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
As a little girl, I recognized the power in achievement. I wanted to be the best, to be noticed and appreciated for my skills and abilities. And even as the shortest student in my class, I fought for-and often won-a place in the hierarchy of leadership. Kids usually wanted me on their team.
I knew God would want me on His team, too. So, when I was nine or ten years old, I walked down the aisle of my church and announced my plans to become a missionary. Even though I had no idea what salvation was, I promised God I would go anywhere and tell others about Him if he would just do one little, itsy-bitsy thing-let my hamster, Snowball, live.
Well, Snowball didn't make it. But I told God I'd be a missionary anyway. I'd keep my end of the bargain, even if He didn't keep His. And the simple fact that I could make such a promise proved I was missionary material!
In my young mind, I figured God was pretty lucky to have me, and I sure hoped He realized it. With my help, we were going to be able to do some amazing things together. It was a win-win situation for both of us.
As you've probably figured out, I never became a missionary. Instead, I grew up, married my high school sweetheart, and moved on with the important things of life. I went to church, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir.
I was just like the Pharisees. I looked good, I smelled good, but what did my heart say? What was my motive? What did God think of all my good deeds?
For years, I worked from a self-centered heart, performing the duties of a good little Christian. Without even realizing it, I was keeping score of my jobs, subconsciously adding them up and comparing them to others. I was giving from a heart of pride--one that hoped my good deeds could win the love and acceptance of a Holy God.
Are you like that? Are you keeping score? If so, let me tell you--the scoreboard is defective! Regardless of the numbers showing on the screen, it's wrong. Our good deeds don't win us any points. Without the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ, we have no points! Zero. Nada. The score is a gazillion to nothing, and we're on the losing side.
Praise God, the day finally came when I realized the true meaning of salvation. Twenty years after walking down that aisle to be a missionary, I finally understood grace and mercy and the gift Jesus offers through His blood on the cross. The power of His sacrifice became real, and I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. No more lists, no more weighing my good deeds against my bad. I knew the truth: Salvation wasn't based on my goodness. It was based on His grace.
But now, even as Christians who know the truth, there can still be times when pride and self-centeredness can take our eyes off what's important and focus our sight on us and our achievements.
And it can even happen in ministry.
This writing life is a very competitive market. It's easy to get caught up in our perceived successes and failures. We count our books and look at our numbers and discern our value to the Lord and His work...based on our human efforts.
And even though God loves us with an unconditional love, this pride grieves Him. Over and over, His Word warns us of pride and its destructive results. We often concentrate on how we appear, when it is our hearts--our intent--that is most important to God. He wants a heart of brokenness and sorrow. A heart that acknowledges His holiness and addresses our sin. A humble and contrite heart that trembles at His word (Isaiah 66:2b).
None of us have it all together; we haven't arrived. And yet, it's easy to find our worth in ourselves and our accomplishments, rather than in Him and His grace.
It's a fragile, fleeting worth.
Let's face it, we can be multi-published today and filled with rejection tomorrow. But the good news is He can use us, whether we have fans and a following or simply rewrites and rejections. The only thing we're accountable for are the words He gives us. It's His job to determine what is done with them. How much better to focus on the calling He has placed on our lives and leave the results to Him!
So today, let's commit together to offer our lives, our writing, our successes, and our failures to Him and let Him determine their use.
I have to admit, I'm still competitive. Even now, it doesn't matter if it's a card game, a talent show, or a round of leg wrestling, I want to win!
But the thing I want to win most is the battle with my heart. I want a heart that seeks to lift Him up, one that glorifies Him and allows His light to shine through me, regardless of my earthly success. I want others to look at me . . . but see Him! Isn't that what you want, too?
Mother Teresa once said, "Humility is truth. The path that will make us more like Jesus is the path to humility. Pride destroys everything."
Jesus died on the cross for one reason-so that all could be saved. Oh, how we need to be transparent, winsome witnesses for Christ, and boast not in what we do for Him, but only in what He did for us!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call for Kudos!
I know we just talked about not having a prideful heart, but celebrating each other's successes is one way we can honor Him. We're told to encourage each other, so let's do it!
Please email me at vondaskelton@charter.net with any news you have of a publishing credit, new contract, new ministry--anything that will encourage us all as writers. Remember, we're a body, and when one part celebrates we should all celebrate. No jealousy here, right?
Be sure to include your state, the publication, and any links, photos, etc that can help save me time. ;-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Could We Meet in August or September?
Several people have emailed me, asking if I'm going to be in their area any time soon, so I've decided to list any upcoming events in the next two months that are open to the public. I hope you'll check the list and see if we could connect. I'd love to see you there!
* August 8: Bethesda Baptist Church Women's Event, Whitmire, SC, 803-694-5664
* August 15: Radio Interview with Shellie Tomlinson, FM 92.7, 8-9AM CT, Monroe, LA
* August 21-22: Day 3 Church Women's Conference, Granite Falls, NC 828-320-7504
* August 29-31: Christian Writer's Retreat, Todd, NC, busygirlann@gmail.com
* September 4: Buford UMC Women's Event, Gaffney, SC, 864-489-7183
* September 6: Antioch Presbyterian Church Women's Workshop, Goldsboro, NC 919-735-3623
* September 11: Mauldin First Baptist Church Ladies' Night Out, Mauldin, SC, 864-288-7835
* September 12-13: NC Women's Prayer Evangelism Conference, Ridgecrest, NC, 1-800-588-7222
* September 17: Fourth Presbyterian Church Fellowship, Greenville, SC 864-232-8123
* September 19-20: Aiken Children's Book Festival, Aiken, SC, 803-643-3198
* September 25: Philippi Baptist Church Women's Event, Union, SC, 864-427-8726
* September 26-27: Christian Author's Guild Writer's Conference, Woodstock, GA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Roommate Needed for SC Writer's Workshop
Jo Rae Johnson is looking for a female roommate/car rider to share expenses for the SC Writers Workshop. If you're interested, please contact Jo Rae at t4me@bellsouth.net.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Learn to be a Freelance Writer with John Riddle!
You may remember one of my mentors way back when I started writing was John Riddle. In this interview, he talked about how he spends his time encouraging and teaching writers around the world. I'm pleased to announce that John is offering his mentorship program to readers of The Christian Writer's Den at half-price! But the deadline is August 10, so don't delay. For more information, contact John at johnriddle@sprintmail.com and be sure to let him know you're part of The Christian Writer's Den.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And now, I leave you with these words from Paul. May they remind us to examine our hearts frequently.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Philippians 2:3-4
I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
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