Undignified &

Just so that we are all on the same page.....

Undignified as defined means:  appearing foolish, lacking dignity.

Doesn't sound like anything I would knowingly choose.  Quite the opposite in fact.  I strive to NOT appear foolish.  I find that my biggest fault is that I look to those around me for approval when in fact, the only one whose approval should concern me is that of God.  

As I was reading today in 1Samuel 6 a particular verse stood out to me.  

1 Samuel 6:22a "And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be  humble in my own sight."

I always strive to keep a verse in the context of which is was written so that I do not mis-represent nor give an accounting of a verse that God never intended.  Today, the Father used this verse in particular to speak to me to reinforce a new work that He is doing in my life.  

God is stripping away any confidence that is based upon self, upon family, upon friends, upon titles; anything that is not of Him.  Instead He wishes to replace it with confidence in Him, in who He has created me to be, and in the calling that He desires me to walk in.   W H E W... how is that for a heavy load?

It all began a rainy, cold, nasty Saturday.  Last Saturday in fact.  It all began with 1 Peter 2:9.  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.  His own special people that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

So as I begin this new path, I thought to share it with you.  The highs, the lows, the struggles, and the victories.  And though I do not know what all lies ahead, I know this:  Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

So back to undignified..... am I willing to appear foolish to others in my worship of, obedience to, glorifying of, exalting of the one true God?  Good question and I can honestly say that I am not completely there yet.  Not even sure that I am half way there yet.  Like many of us, I still look at the perception of others which is most definitely NOT where I should be looking.

Finally, the second part of that verse: and will be humble in my own eyes.  Sounds fairly simple but if we take away those protective glasses we wear when we view ourselves, then maybe the answer isn't so obvious as we might think.  Did you know it is possible to be completely lacking in self confidence and be proud?  Oxymoron I know, but I have discovered that, in my own life, this can indeed be true.  There are things that I take pride in.  Things such as the way I love others deeply without reservation, the way I serve family, friends, clients community, the way I can grasp new concepts easily and a few other things.  So here is the thing... am I proud for the gifts the Lord has given me, of the achievement and how it can bring good things to others, or am I puffing myself up to receive the honor myself?  Talk about a wow / hard question.  And truth be known sometimes it is the first and often times it is the latter.  Not for any other reason than to feel good about self.  However, IF we know (that we know that we know) that we are a royal priesthood, sons and daughters of the most high God, then why aren't we already confident in whose we are, whom He created us to be, and the relationship which we walk in with the great God Almighty?  

Strong words.  Took quite a bit of coffee to get those down I can tell you that much!!  So the two words that literally leapt off the page at me were undignified and humble.  Not sure that I have ever seen those two words used in conjunction with each other but after many hours of prayer and seeking I can see how together those two words bring about perfect harmony.  When we are willing to have our complete and utter focus on God the Father, we take our eyes off of self and off the world and are free to serve/celebrate/worship Him with our whole being no matter how undignified we may appear. With that letting go of all else except God comes a humble heart that has no room for self but only for God.

Pretty cool stuff don'tcha think?  I sure did.  And although I am still so far from perfecting the practice of this, it is now part of my morning prayer.  More of You, less of me.  May I be even more undignified than this.  May I be humble in my own eyes.  My You consume all that I am and more.  May I be so lost in You that all else fades away.

Woo!!! I tell you; gets me seriously EXCITED!!!

Time for me to go pull those boots on and get to walkin.... God has much to do today and I am determined to be a willing vessel.

Take care folks........