Take the Challenge

I recently read a classic book by Andrew Murray on Humility, written in the 1800s. I’ve decided that we are suffering a lack of truly powerful writers like those of past centuries. Perhaps they were better able to write out of places that were desperate for the Lord, and thus knew His powerful presence in revival. I am surely not one of those writers!

Murray wrote that humility should be perhaps the greatest marker of a Christian’s life. It is in that place of humility that we truly empty ourselves of our own pride and fleshly motivations – and thus let the character of Christ dwell more richly in us.

Murray issued a 30-day challenge to ask the Lord moment by moment to reveal the places of pride in your heart. Upon confessing and repenting of that pride, Murray suggested then inviting the Holy Spirit to fill you with greater humility that represents more of the life of Christ.

I decided to take that challenge. But I sensed the Lord telling me I needed to take an extra ten days. Apparently there was greater work to be done! So I have been fasting and praying that simple prayer, asking the Lord to reveal the places of pride in my heart.

My Painful Discovery
Wow. I have been overwhelmed with what I have discovered. I am a prideful person. There are attitudes of my heart that I did not really consider pride, but the Lord has clearly pointed them out. It has been as simple as being annoyed with people I thought were “too wordy” in their prayers. Or thinking that my prayer has stormed the heavens far more effectively than someone else’s. Ouch.

I’ve also discovered that I really don’t know as much as I think I know. The Lord has convicted me of needing to speak less and pray more. I’m not as smart and humble as I thought I was!

But it is all good. The Lord is always faithful and even somewhat gentle with those who earnestly seek Him.

But don’t ask me how I’m doing with my humility quest. Depending on my answer, the Lord might just tack on another ten days!