Written by Elizabeth Haarberg.

Choosing to do things for God’s glory, not ours.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Romans 12:3

The Passion Translation says the same verse like this:

“God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.”

I have gone through many ‘seasons’ in my life, but something that God rooted out about three years ago was selfish ambition and self-promotion. Some of the things God is dealing with in me personally have been in process for years. This was in an instant.

The problem with selfish ambition, and promotion, is that I was unaware I was dealing with it. To deal with an issue we usually need to become aware of it first. God took care of the problem before I even knew about it. Wow! He’s that good!

Self-evaluation is of no use if we hang onto the problem. Continuing to bring the issue to the foot of the cross is the most helpful way to get rid of unwanted garbage.

On the flip side, false humility, or lowering ourselves to think we are not worthy to be used by God, is useless. He desires our hands, and feet, to be used in a humble, loving, and willing way.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”” Isaiah 52:7

We are made in the image of Christ. If we are to look like Him, we should strive to act like Him. Humble, loving, kind, full of peace, and offering those that come near us all that He has given us.

I attached a picture of my son playing football. There is a choice between selfish ambition and giving God glory, even when playing sports.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado