Most people are quick to admit that they want to be well thought of, to be appreciated for what they contribute to the cause, whether it be scoring a goal for their team on the ball field, providing delicious desserts for a picnic, or challenging the masses to think by public oratory, article or essay.  But God has instructed us, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1Corinthians 10:31)”  A problem arises when we desire the glory for ourselves—when we stand between God and His glory.

  The first sin in the universe was the sin of pride, and it was committed by Satan.  “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15)

    Pride in a preacher might make him say things like, “I want people to like to hear me preach, so that they will come back for more.”  I have determined that, though this might sound innocent enough, it can easily be rooted in pride.  How much better to say, “When I preach God’s Word, I want people not to notice me, but to go away knowing that they have heard from God.”  Truth of the matter is, when we do something for the Lord, it is not about you or me at all.  We should consider the words of the Apostle Paul, “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1Corinthians 4:7)”

  Whether we are talking about a preacher, a chef, a barber, a pilot, a doctor, a housewife, or a greeter in the local department store, God wants us to know that, “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)” and “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (16:18)”

 Praise the Lord! my Mom is still living, and though over a thousand miles away, I’m still able to talk to her, and occasionally visit.  Thinking of her causes love to swell up in my heart.  She gave me life you know, and helped my dad to raise me so that I would, at age 7, make Jesus Christ the object of my faith.  Without my Mom, only God knows where I would be today.  Now she is old, but still out ahead, in a love relationship with her Savior God, that encourages me to be faithful too.  Who can ascribe a value to a loving mother, or what’s more, to a godly, loving mother?  I love you Mom!

   When God chose the young woman who would miraculously, give birth to His Son, He chose a Jewish girl named Mary.  It is only logical that we examine her life to discover what God regarded in one of the greatest mothers to walk on the face of the earth:

  Mary was a woman of moral purity, a virgin.  “…the angel Gabriel was sent from God …To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. (Luke 1:26-27)”  She was a woman of purpose—the most noble cause ever.  “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (1:31)”  She was a woman who was happy in the Lord.  “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. (1:46-47)”  She was a woman of humility.  “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden:… (1:48)”  She was a woman of faith in, and fear of, God.  “For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. (1:49-50)”  She was a woman of simplicity.  “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (2:6-7)”  She was a woman of quiet spirit.  “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (2:19)”

  Motherhood was God’s idea, and as He said after His creative acts, “It was very good.”  Happy Mother’s Day!