Proud or humble

Not all pride is bad. Perhaps the most difficult determination is identifying that for which we have no right to take pride.

The Apostle Paul talked about taking pride in the spiritual growth and labors of and among those whom he loved. We frequently misuse words by substituting 'proud' for 'thankful' - those semantic issues shouldn't bother anyone, and I'm relatively certain they don't bother God.

What is of concern to me, and I think we have indication Biblically that it is of concern to God, is a not-so-subtle shift in attitudes among many evangelical Christians that could be described as quite similar to that of the Pharisees.

With this 'pride' in being a certain type of Christian and being 'for' certain things and 'against' certain other things, we have created an antipathy toward 'sinners.'

Christianity is fast becoming as exclusionary as was the Phariseeism of Jesus' day.

What are you doing to include people in your gift of Grace? An old song says, "Freely, freely we have received; freely, freely give..." Humility should be a natural response of love. We love - we give - we serve - we care.

It isn't us against them...it's not the saints vs the unwashed masses. It isn't even, "There but for the Grace of God go I..." It is an identification with those in need of Grace that brings the grace of the Samaritan to all along the path.

Go in grace and humility.