This was originally written and presented frequently by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, I think sometime during the 1990’s. A copy was attached on my lab incubator door since then and I am deeply appreciative of the wisdom it has provided me. This afternoon after listening to Carole Ward again in SS this morning, (see prior post) I felt compelled to tackle Nancy’s original document and perform some major editorial license slicing & dicing to prayerfully and hopefully enhance the effectiveness of her original message to us today.
And especially so, during this uniquely historical moment both politically and spiritually, no matter where we each find ourselves on this continuum of being proud vs. broken. I envision this document’s underlying message as an absolute necessary precursor for many of us to literally inhale in preparation for the numerous spiritual battle engagements Carole so aptly identified for the North American church throughout her 50:31 min. clip sent out in yesterday’s blog. I thank God that such frail faithful humans though remarkably Spirit empowered broken clay vessels, such as Nancy and Carole are speaking truth in such great darkness today. May we too, be so empowered by His light. And sooner than later.
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PROUD PEOPLE (PP)focus on the failures of others. BROKEN PEOPLE (BP) are overwhelmed with the sense of their own spiritual need.
PP have a critical, fault-finding spirit; they look at everyone else’s faults with a microscope but conveniently ignore their own blemishes… BP are compassionate; they can forgive much because they know how much they’ve been forgiven.
PP are self-righteous, look down on others. BP esteem others better than themselves.
PP are independent & self sufficient. BP possess a dependent spirit seeking to join God’s work wherever needed.
PP maintain control at all costs; must be their way or else. BP surrender control aiding & assisting wherever God is at work.
PP have to prove they are right! BP are willing to yield the right to be right.
PP claim rights. BP yield their rights.
PP exude a demanding selfish attitude. BP are internally compelled by a giving sacrificial demeanor.
PP are self-protective of time, rights, and reputation. BP deny self so as to always elevate Christ.
PP desire to be served. BP are motivated to serve others.
PP desire to be a success. BP desire to help others become the best possible version of themselves.
PP desire to be recognized & appreciated. BP possess a healthy sense of their unworthiness and are thrilled to be used at all, always eager for others to get the credit.
PP on a good day, may think briefly what they could do for God. BP know they have nothing to offer God but their love and appreciation.
PP feel confident in how much they know. BP are humbled by how much they have yet to learn.
PP are always calculating their next selfish move. BP are not driven by selfish personal agendas.
PP keep people at arm’s length. BP risk being close to others by loving selflessly.
PP are quick to blame others and the ripples engulf us. BP accept responsibility; they can see their errors and are empowered to self-correct.
PP are unapproachable. BP are “easy to be entreated.”
PP are defensive when criticized. BP receive criticism with a humble open heart.
PP are concerned with being “socially respectable.” BP are only concerned with being a trusted ambassador for Christ.
PP are too often concerned with what others think. BP understand all that matters is what God knows and obedience to Him.
PP find it difficult to reveal or share their spiritual needs or desires with others. BP are quick to admit failure and seek forgiveness.
PP when confessing sin, deal only in generalities. BP can deal with the needed and relevant specifics of the sin.
PP are remorseful for sin when caught or discovered. BP are repentant for their sins and forsake them.
PP compare themselves with others and relish in the deserving of honor and recognition. BP only compare themselves to the holiness of God and their desperate need for His mercy and grace.
PP are blind to their true heart condition. BP celebrate walking in the Light of Scripture & Holy Spirit.
PP don’t think they have anything to repent of. BP possess a continual heart attitude of repentance.
PP are proud unbroken persons who don’t think they need revival but they are sure everyone else does. BP are humble broken persons who continually sense their need for a fresh encounter with God and a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit.
Blessings as you GO FORTH LISTENING, DISCERNING, & PREPARING>>>>>mle