Humble or Proud!

Matthew 12:34b, “… for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

 Have you ever said something that you shouldn’t have? As soon as the words glided past your lips you gasp in regret! What did you do? I had this experience recently. Now remember, when I started this blog I said I would be honest, so here it is. My son was being difficult, as many preteens can be. He pushed a button and I yelled at him for what seemed like an eternity. In my verbal assault, I called him a “smart you know what.”  I couldn’t stop! I know me, a pastor, leader, Bible teacher, how could I say that?  I was filled with rage at him for his behavior. I was upset with myself for my behavior and then to make it worse when my wife tried to speak to me about it, and I ripped her head off! I was out of control. I was outraged by his smart mouth and lack of respect. Certainly he had it coming! Unfortunately, he did not deserve what he got.

Chances are the person you gave it to did not deserve what they got either! Maybe the problem does not lie in them, but in you. What is it that makes you respond the way you do? What was the trigger that set you off? What do you do once you have fired that verbal bullet? You cannot take it back no matter how sorry you are. Those words will always ring in the atmosphere. But, you can make it right

I had to humble myself and apologize not only to my son, but to his siblings and his mom. I told myself be humble or proud Corey, humble or proud. Well, my flesh wanted pride, but my spirit wanted humility. This time the spirit won the battle.

 I wanted to be humble and teach my children that when you mess up and sometimes you will; you can humble yourself and seek forgiveness. So I will ask you the same question I asked myself, “Humble or proud (fill in your name), humble or proud?”

Corey