God Teaches in the Strangest Ways

As we pulled into the gas station to ask directions, my wife Julie noticed a guy pumping gas and prompted me- "Ask him- he looks like he might know his way around." About the same time I noticed another fellow half shuffling-half limping across the parking lot- an average looking guy in somewhat tattered clothes and physically struggling as he made his way.

I will call him lesser man.

As I turned my attention to the guy pumping gas I began to take notice that he was well dressed and obviously affluent- based on the shiny new black BMW he was filling with gas. Beyond the appearance of wealth, this guy was also above average height and quite fit- I would guess a former athlete based on his build. Then there was his hair- it was...... well in a word........ perfect- Styled and profiled like he was maybe about to meet a lady friend. It was all topped off with the dark tan of someone who most likely was able to spend a fair amount of time on the golf course.

This was a guy who at least looked like he had it all together.

I will call him perfect man.

Honestly, I am not really sure where it came from, but immediately something rose up in me to say- "You can't ask perfect man- go ask the guy you saw stumbling across the parking lot". It was almost like a sense of fear....... or intimidation........or something ........ I am not sure what- but it grabbed my attention. I could not believe I was having such a goofy reaction to the prospect of asking some guy for directions. Now mind you- all this happened in a matter of seconds, but I have pondered it now for a couple of days- asking God to show me what it was all about.

Could it have been about Pride?

Pride is a strange sort of thing- especially when attacked by our enemy- the Evil One. It is as if he knows- that somewhere deep inside me there is this sense of inadequacy- maybe insecurity- that says- Charles, you don't measure up- you don't have what it takes- you're not a real man- not like that guy- not like perfect man.

You know you better hide it too.

Don't let anybody know you really don't have it all together-

Especially not perfect man-

Asking him for anything will expose you for the weakling you really are.

Oh I don't mind going to lesser man-

He is more like me- and deep inside me something says-

You know you have it more together than lesser man-

You don't need his approval- he is no threat-

In fact it will make him feel better that he can help someone of my stature.

Lies, Lies, Lies- Get away from me with your Lies!

Truth- I don't have it all together- but neither does perfect man.

But that is okay- It is okay-No- It is better than okay-

It is a good thing to let go of my pride- the facade of my own perfection.

Truth- There is no real lesser man than me- I am clearly a man in deep need-

In deep need of my Saviour

Truth- There is one Perfect Man- and He takes me right where I am. He offers me Life and Freedom from my own pride that would isolate and destroy me.

Jesus, my lord Jesus, Please continually come to life in me. Speak words of Truth to me. Moment by moment help me to see my own worth and value in You. Help me to see all men from the standpoint of their worth and adequacy in You. Help me to live out of my adequacy in You. Free me from the lies that would steal the life You have won for me. All Praise be to You Lord Jesus for what You are doing in me- for Your life and Love and Power in me. Amen