Classic Steve Murrell
The picture of Steve Murrell winning this race is a classic shot. Thanks to his father (I think) and a good camera.
For many years I have grown up spiritually under Steve's teaching gift. Steve has always had a way of unpacking God's word in a way that I could relate to and understand. More importantly be able to apply it to my life. Now that he spends most of his time traveling for the Every Nation world I don't get to listen to Steve as often. Thankfully last Wednesday Steve spoke at our monthly staff meeting in Manila - and like the picture above, true to form Steve delievred another classic.
I'm meditating on his message for my Sabbath today. I was so convicted by what he said, I knew I had to review it and internalize the words of Philippians 2. Paul starts out with an appeal to unity and likemindedness. Then he explains how that can be achieved:
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4
Four things will cause disunity: selfish ambition, vain conceit, devaluing other people's contributions, concern only for one's interests. More than just a teacher Steve is an intuitive leader who knows what to say and when to say it. With the growth of Every Nation particularly in Asia he cautions us on how enticing success can be and how it can lead to blind ambition and vain conceit - surefire causes for disunity.
Steve explained that...."When God does something in us our response should be one of humility. When He does something for us our response is gratefulness. When He does something through us we tend to get full of ourselves, our natural human response is one of pride." It is here that we must look to Jesus.
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:6-8
At the end of the day the issue of our hearts is sin. In this case - the sin fo pride. Pride is the combination of our fears and insecurities that we learn to cover up with our well fabricated lies (mainly to ourselves). Through constant practice we perfect our pride. Fortunately there is a remedy. Look to Jesus.
Although being God, He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. He did not use His super powers to his own advantage. Instead He humbled Himself and became a servant who obidiently obeyed the Father unto death.
Lord, thanks for the reminder. Thank You for Your example, may we learn, apply and find victory over our own fears and insecurities. And may we learn to be truthful about ourselves.
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