Paul's Humility

Yesterday, the pastor preached on Luke 7:36-50.  Through this story he began to talk about the self righteousness and pride of Simon in the story.  He also talked about the attitude and a humility that a true follower of Jesus should possess.  He used Paul as an example:

Here are three different verses Paul wrote through his letters.  We are familiar with most of them, but I am going to put the date of which each of these verses were written.  

"I am the least of all the apostles." I Corinthians 15:9  (55 AD)

"I am the very least of all the saints." Ephesians 3:8  (60 AD)

"I am the chief of all sinners." 1 Timothy 1:15     (63 AD)

This was pretty remarkable to me.  Keep in mind as these letters are written by Paul, he is having more and more influence in the early church.  He is beginning to have the respect of every believer in many provinces.  And yet he does not have an ego that is growing as his ministry grows.  As each year progresses in his ministry, he is more and more aware of his humanity.  Paul boasts, but he boasts in the Lord, not himself.

I think these three verses give us great insight into spiritual maturity as well.  Ministry, life, and relationship with God are not a journey walked by self-reliance.  Spiritual maturity happens as we depend on God more fully.  As Paul became more aware of his actual state, the power of the risen Lord was displayed through him magnificently.  

In II Corinthians 10:5 it says, "We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God."

I think this is a statement that is true for nonbelievers and believers alike.  Pride, self-righteousness, self-reliance are all examples of proud obstacles that keep us from knowing God.  

What proud obstacles in your life are keeping you from knowing God more intimately?

How do you view yourself and others? Do you see yourself as better than most?

Are you ok with others knowing you as the self-proclaimed chief of all sinners?

The way we see ourselves changes how much we rely on God.  And how much we rely on God will allow more opportunities for God to be glorified through us.  

Chuch (Southern for Church)

Today, Elise and I went to church at First Alliance which is located in Lexington, Kentucky.  This was our fourth time to attend this church, and Elise and I recently decided this will be our church home while we are in Kentucky!  We have already made some really great connections with many people there, and we hope to get involved in the college and young adult ministry and help some individuals who desire to start an international bible study.  First Alliance church is also a church which is very big on equipping and sending missionaries, which is a great fit for us as well.


The sermon was over Luke 7: 36-50.  The pastor is very gifted speaker.  He is very insightful, encourages reflection, and very poetic with his words.  In the story he preached on, we find Jesus invited to dinner at a man named Simon's house.  When Jesus takes his place at the table, a woman who is a notorious sinner (probably prostitute) begins to wet and wipe Jesus's feet.  Simon saw this, and judged Jesus and the woman for what was happening in his home.  Jesus then tells a parable about two men who each have a debt.  One debt was greater than the other, but each debt was cancelled.  Jesus asked Simon,  "Who loved him more?"  Simon correctly answered, "The one with the greater debt."
Jesus then pointed out several things Simon had not done that were cultural practices which honored guests in homes.  The kiss of peace, the washing of feet, and the anointing of a guest's head with oil.  And yet, the woman did.

After lunch, we were hosted by a married couple our age named Joel and Jenny.  We had an incredible time.  We really got along great with them.  It is really exciting to see God shaping community around us.  Some of it you can see coming, and other parts are totally unexpected.  I love eating with people, and I am looking forward to eating with them again many times.

Construction

Moving to a new town can be very adventurous. You have the opportunity to form new relationships, find new hobbies, and many times find a new job.  For the past month and a half, I have been working for a guy named Ray doing construction jobs in the city of Wilmore and surrounding Kentucky countryside.  Work hours have been far from consistent, and I often find out when I will work 15 minutes before I need to be there.  I'm learning God is faithful and our Provider even when circumstances may seem otherwise.

I chose to work in construction for two reasons. 1) It was the first job I found.  And 2) Elise and I want to be missionaries.  Many of you know me.  Especially the 25+ roommates I've had live with me through my college years. With a track record like that, I wonder how Elise makes it with me.  Anyways, I don't think one of my friends, family members, or former roommates would use the adjective "handyman" to ever describe my list of attributes. Yet, here I am in a job that requires a variety of skills to complete each and every task.  Most days that I work, I suck. I'm learning.  I hope these "handy" skills that I am learning will be of good use when we are in another country for longterm.

So far, my favorite thing about working in construction is not the skills I have learned, but the people I have come to know.  I have worked for two different contractors in the last 6 weeks.   One of my bosses is a former Asbury Seminary Grad from 2004 who has already taken a break from the ministry.  My other boss had a bad car accident that prevents him from continuing his electrician profession.  There is some pretty deep hurt and pain that comes up casually in conversations as we work hours on hours with each other.  I pray God will continue to be present in these conversations.  I think there is work he wants to do.