Humility and Obedience: The Antidotes to Rebellion Against God

I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. Isaiah 1:2 Have you ever rebelled against God? I know that I have–repeatedly. It might not look like outright rebellion, but I have definitely resisted God’s will for me in various ways. The rebellion usually sounds like this: “I want (insert situation here) to go my way!” This willful disobedience leads to anger, resentment, and conflict in my soul. It’s only…

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Humbly Lift Others’ Burdens 

“The greatest among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11 Last Sunday we considered the Greatest Commandment to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). A key to loving God and others well is having a virtuous attitude of humility and service. Jesus pointed out a vice and pitfall to this attitude in this Sunday’s Gospel passage: pride (Matthew 23:1-12).  Jesus warned His disciples not to follow the bad example set by the Pharisees. They…

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Ego-Drama or Theo-Drama?

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’” – Matthew 16:24 What does it mean to “deny” yourself? We might take that to mean that we don’t allow ourselves certain pleasures. For example, a person would deny himself a second helping of dinner. But that’s not exactly what Jesus is asking of His disciples. According to the USCCB Bible Commentary, “to…

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Rest in Me

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. Matthew 11:28-30 Rest, Little One, rest in Me. I will take care of you. I will take care of all things. I am your God and I…

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