6.14.2008

The Myth of the Self-Made Man

Tonight at church, Pastor Mike talked gave a great sermon from James. As he spoke about his 1-year-old grandson and his grandson's complete dependence on all his caretakers, I thought about if there really was such thing as a self-made man. I don't think so. I know that Adam & I are 100% benefactors of #1- the goodness of the Lord and #2- the love and support of our families and #3- the generosity of the church and our friends there and #4- people I don't even know who have sacrificed for freedom's sake. I hope that Adam & I always remember that and never regard ourselves as self-made, victors by the work of our hands.

I don't think any man is self-made but, supposing there was, even if you were kicked in the face from day 1- there was not a man for you and you toiled and labored against 100% oppression, what are you making your self into? What is the purpose, the goal of the thing that you are striving after? I laugh when I think of my dreams apart from God. My greatest dream for myself was probably being liked. That's how I lived my life anyway. Lame. As Pastor Mike said, God's dreams are greater than our dreams. It's unbelievable that he invites us to be a part of impacting eternity. That instead of money, fame, or fleeting comforts, he offers us a chance to get in on his dreams and be used by him to love the unlovable and seek justice for the oppressed and see the hurting people healed and see the lost saved.

What's more unbelievable is how many days that I walk away from those dreams and pursue comfortable (read: Fleeting) things. Some days, I pursue nothing! I just glide along like a ninnymuggin. What a waste. Thank God that his mercies are new every morning and after a day where I lose vision and I glide along aimlessly, I can wake up the next morning and he's still inviting me to join Him and be a part of something eternal.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "
-Matt: 6:19-21

4 comments:

The Tylers said...

Well written and very true for all of us!

Lora said...

Such a wise young woman!

Deb said...

I am queen of the ninnymuggins (can I use this word, too??!!) ...good thoughts to ponder and they put me on my knees for sure!

Anonymous said...

Great tribute to the word "ninnymuggin!" And really? Who's going to pick having coffee (or prehaps butterbeer?) with You-know-who? Only someone who themselves is a dark wizard or wants to get fried into little Chocolate Frogs :)