Jeremiah 17:5
Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
We're in the 2nd week of Lent. Lent is a time when we are to look at our lives and make positive changes to grow closer to God. Today's readings from Jeremiah and the Gospel of Luke address how we are living our lives and the consequences of the choices we make. We are challenged to examine where we put our trust and faith. The prophet Jeremiah compares putting our trust in other men versus putting our trust in the Lord. He compares trusting in man with a tree in a barren desert that with wither away from the dust and dry land. Man cannot nourish spiritually as God can. Meanwhile putting our trust in God is like a tree near a river. No matter how hot or dry it gets, the tree will always bear fruit and say green.
Arrogance can be man's downfall. I like compliments like anyone else. However, I really try to not let them go to my head. In fact I pray to God often that when someone pays me a compliment that I remain humble and that the compliment is all due to God working through me. I've seen too many people, even in ministry, have praise heaped on them only to have it go to their head. They become haughty and full of conceit. It's hard when you're in radio and people see you and treat you like a start. We're not though…we are just like you, trying to get through each day one moment at a time. Our heart, our souls, our words, our minds all should be focused on God. Pray today for the humility of self to give all praise to God for his many gifts.
