Creeping Arrogance

I had an interesting experience this morning. I was give the chance to participate in a focus group about a book I really love. It was stimulating. I loved the opininions of the other women in the group, I loved the questions, and I loved sharing what I thought about the book. There were several times when I felt my opinions were very different than the others in the group and I enjoyed being vocal in that way. It was fun to be a bit contrary. I got finished with the group and felt...satisfied. I told my husband all about it and we talked books for a bit.

My opinions were very much a reflection of who I am. They were very indicative of the path Jesus has called me to walk. I was true to Jesus and true to me. And yet...I noticed this veiled ugliness appear. I was very proud of myself. I was leaning toward arrogance. All at once I realized I thought myself and my opinions better than the other ladies in the group. I thought I had it more "together." SICK. How did that creep in? I had to stop my self during the morning trip to take the kids to school and ask forgiveness. To repent of the judgement, the arrogance, and the misuse of who Jesus has made me to be. How quickly I leave the side of this amazing, mercy-filled Jesus and walk over to line up by the Pharisees.

I am really thoughtful of this today. I'm asking Jesus to show me where else this creeps in. I want to be holy because of the breath of God in my life...not self-righteous because I've twisted his gifts to suit myself.

Jesus, please expose and break down anything in me that doesn't look like you.

Jesus

One day a song writer I know posted a lead on his facebook page. "So the bartender says to Jesus..." I was intrigued and played with it. This is what I came up with. I really like it...I hear a Johnny Cash sort of feel in it. I thought I'd share.

Jesus

So the bartender says to Jesus
I see the bottom of every glass
And reached a sober consensus
Tipsy dreams don’t come to pass

What do you have that’s different?
What is in such a name?
I’ve heard of your fame,
But life’s just a game
One unholy game

So Jesus says to the bartender
I walk in the muck on this street
My name is travel-stained and tender
I am all that you will need


Everyone wanders with longing, voiceless with our need
What if hope was just in a name
Just in a name as he