Matt 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

This passage of scripture has been rocking my world. It started during my quiet time several days ago as verse 29 “Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” was used as a reference in my devotional reading. Several years ago I learned a Bible study method that taught me to look up definitions for certain words. Even if, I already know the meaning. For me, it helps focus in on what the writer is saying and look at scripture through fresh eyes. Anyway, I was prompted to look up definitions for the words lowly and humble. Prior to reading the definitions I already knew I wasn’t very good at either of these. But reading the definitions…Ouch! They hit a deep place in my heart and soul.

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary – lowly means: a humble manner or spirit, free from self-assertive pride (ouch), meek, modest and submissive (ouch). And humble means: not proud or haughty; not arrogant or assertive (ouch), ranking low in a hierarchy or scale : unassuming, insignificant and unpretentious.  Pride has been and continues to be a huge struggle for me. In fact, a friend and I have talked about our belief that most sin is based in one form of pride or another. It’s really a form of self-idolization. Believing that we are better, more important, have all the answers, etc.. But we are told in the Bible to follow Jesus and His example. And Jesus was never prideful, but always humble and serving – Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The second part of conviction came during our youth pastor’s message Wednesday night when he  referenced Matt 10:28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”.  Anytime the same passage of scripture comes up in unrelated incidents and multiple places, it’s best to pay attention and realize that God is speaking to you! Having already read these verses that morning, the realization of understanding smacked me in the face. It was this – it can’t be me that people come to, but Jesus. I know some of you are thinking well duh. But seriously, I suddenly realized that I had been trying to fix, save and change people and problems instead of leading them to the only One who can, Jesus! Jesus’ words are pretty clear, He says “come to Me” not go to your spouse, mom, friend, co-worker or even pastor, but “come to Me” and “I will give you rest”. His words are personal “me and I” It has to be Him, I can’t but Jesus can!

Pride had convinced me that I not only could do something to fix, change and save people and/or situations, but that it was my responsibility. OUCH! It hurts when we are confronted with the depth of our sin in a real and personal way.  However, almost as quickly a warning flooded through my head-I need to be aware of not making my sin (pride in this case) bigger than Jesus. Because He has conquered sin once and for all. Romans 5:8 “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” and 1 peter 3:18 “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit” All the sin I am currently struggling with has already been defeated on the cross! When I choose to dwell on my sin and shame, I discount the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, my Perfect Savior.

Not to discount my sin, I’ve clearly got some work to do. But, we have to remind ourselves frequently – I can’t, but Jesus can!