Walking Humbly

"Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us."  Romans 12:3 (NLT)

It's HOT here, man!  Probably much like it is everywhere.  Yesterday, in the heat of the day, I was sitting out at the ball field watching my boy do his stuff.  Despite the 100 degree sauna outside, his team pulled out a win.  And his mom survived.

Is it wrong to feel proud of my son's humility?

Even when Kyle does well, he doesn't like us talking about it.  He doesn't brag.  He doesn't gloat.  He doesn't talk highly of himself.  I like that.

I pray that he always walks humbly...
and that I can keep from speaking too prideful as well!

Lord, keep Alyssa and Kyle from thinking better of themselves than they really are.  I pray that they always are honest in their evaluation and keep themselves from an odious pride. Even in their successes may they always give you the credit and honor. You are the giver of all good gifts, and you ultimately are the one who deserves our boasting.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will always reflect you in their humbleness. 

 

Uzziah's Downfall

"Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother's name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."  2 Chronicles 26:3-5

 Ken & Kyle playing Jenga and waiting for the fall.(2005)

"But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall."  

2 Chronicles 26:16

Lord, I know that as your children do what is right in your eyes, and seek you each day, you will give them success.  Their success may not be measured in the same way as the world measures success, but will bring them a happiness and deep-down joy that comes from you.  I pray that in this process of finding success, big or small, you keep our children from a pride that would lead to downfall.  Don't let pride blind Alyssa and Kyle. Help them live with a godly humility, and give all the credit of their success to you.  May Alyssa and Kyle's eyes always be fixed on you, dear Jesus, and their heart stayed on you, for you are the giver of all success.
 

Protection from Pride

^"But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God..."  2 Chronicles 26:16

Baseball season is in full swing! (No pun intended. Ha!)

Oh how I love watching my boy do his thing on the field, even though there are times I struggle with the weather conditions and the busy schedule.  I will always love cheering him on.

I haven't said much here, but Kyle made the Varsity team this year and we are so proud of him.  We will continue to be in the stands cheering him on over the next months.  Rain, snow flurries, or major heat waves, you'll catch me in the stands.

One thing I've been impressed with so far is that, even in making Varsity as a sophomore, Kyle doesn't flaunt his success, gloat about his excitement, or brag about his abilities.  In fact, he seems to present quite the opposite (at least in my presence). Most people are unaware of his getting onto the Varsity team.  Even after a good game, I find that Kyle is a little uncomfortable talking about the ways he did well.  He kind of nods his head, gives a slight grin, and tries to change the subject.

Pride can so easily get in the way and leave an ugly taste in our mouth when we see it in others, yet can move so quickly from humility to haughtiness when it comes from our own lips.  I hate it when I catch an over-the-top pride in myself. 

Pride will mess up my sweet son and I pray that he will always remain humble, kind, and an encourager to others. 

Lord, I pray that my son (and daughter with her successes) lives with humility, never letting success and power bring an ugly pride that leads to his downfall.  Keep him humble in his successes, and sensitive to those around him, never making himself higher or better than the least person.  Humility shines in more beautiful ways.  I pray, dear Jesus, that Kyle will always give you the credit for his gifts and abilities, and never take them for granted. 

 

The Wrong Kind of Pride

"Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding."  Matthew 6:1 (The Message)

Most of the trouble

 in the world is caused 

by people wanting to 

be important 

.- T.S. Eliot

In general, pride is at

 the bottom 

of all great mistakes. 

- John Ruskin

Pride can be ugly.  I feel the ugliness when I find my mouth or heart wanting to cry out with self-awareness and exaltation.  

Pride builds up walls.  Especially in relationships when our lifting of self puts down someone else.

Pride just really sours life if we allow it to give us a big head, a loud mouth, and a tall standing in our own eyes.  

I want my kids to be proud of who they are, and what they have become or done in their lives, without the ugly kind of pride that makes them look ugly to others.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be careful not to practice their righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If they do, they will have no reward from you.  You have gifted them in beautiful ways, but may they always be careful to use those gifts to glorify you instead of themselves.  May your Holy Spirit tug at their hearts, when they start becoming prideful, and remind them of your call to humility.  May Alyssa and Kyle always shine you in their words and actions, and in the depths of their hearts as they find success in their life, and give you all the credit and praise.

Pride Isn't Pretty

"It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory."  Proverbs 25:27 (ESV)

 Champions, Kyle (left) and his friend Jake (2005)

I have a pretty humble kid. Or at least he is around me.  Even when I see Kyle excel in baseball, make an awesome play, or get picked for a special team, I don't hear him brag about his accomplishments.  I like that about my boy.


I remember the "jocks" when I was in high school, and they were filled with pride and haughtiness, often overlooking those kids that didn't have the same abilities or hung in the same crowds.  As one boasts about themselves, and puts on heirs that they are better than everyone else, it turns people off and actually diminishes one's likeability.  Pride isn't pretty.

As Kyle begins his high school baseball career, I pray that he continues to shine bright, and remain my sweet and humble boy.  


Lord, your Word reminds us that it is not glorious to seek one's one glory.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle live with a confidence that you have fearfully and wonderfully made them.  Yet in their successes, and when they find joy in using the gifts that you have given them, I pray that they keep their pride in check.  Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  It can become so easy to boast in our gifts, and shift people's focus away from You and onto ourselves, failing to give you all the credit for our hand in our lives.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's lives will be marked by humility and grace, always living their lives for your glory!

 

Mr. Handsome

"Your heart became proud on account of your beauty..."  Ezekiel 28:17

Kyle (2006)

 

Something has happened to our son.  The minutes in front of the mirror before school has at least tripled in the last month or two.  Every piece of hair is carefully combed into place before he makes an exit.

I just have to laugh.  Once there was a day when the boy thought that showers were a waste of time, deodorant was a once a week "event", and his clean clothes could often be found tucked tightly away in his drawers unused.

All has changed, my friends.  All has changed.

Kyle (2011)

I'm just praying it doesn't go to my boy's head.  My longing is that he recognizes that it's what's on the inside that will really make him attractive to those he meets.

Yes, the boy is cute, but I also want him to be humble, kind, generous, and compassionate (just to name a few things).

Oh what's a mom to do when she still wants to "squeeze" on her baby-boy-turned young man?!

Lord, you have wonderfully made Alyssa and Kyle.  Please watch over them and the unhealthy pride that can grow in their hearts and minds.  Charm can be deceptive, and beauty is vain, but fearing you, Lord, is to be praised.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle clothe themselves with a beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to you.  Those who look to you are radiant.  Break down any pride, dear Jesus, that would cause destruction and give them a humble, compassionate, and kind heart.  Thank you, Lord, for our precious children.

Lesson from Uzziah

"Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother's name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."  2 Chronicles 26:3-5

 Ken & Kyle playing Jenga...waiting for the fall...2005

"But after Uzziah became powerful, 

his pride led to his downfall."  

2 Chronicles 26:16

Lord, I know that as our children do what is right in your eyes, and seek you each day, you will give them success.  Their success may not be measured in the same way as the world measures success, but will bring them a happiness and deep-down joy that comes from you.  I pray that in this process of finding success, big or small, you keep our children from a pride that would lead to downfall.  Don't let pride blind them. Help them live with a godly humility, and give all the credit of their success to you.  May their eyes always be fixed on you, dear Jesus, and their heart stayed on you, for you are the giver of all success.