Daily Devotionals

The Wrong Way to be Right

Posted in Wisdom

Scripture:  “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” – James 4:10

 

I like to be right. Who doesn’t? But I’d also like to think that I’m able to admit when I’m wrong. It’s pretty simple to admit little mistakes, apologize, and ask forgiveness. Maybe I accidentally tossed my husband’s hang-up shirt in the dryer, or maybe I missed a clear-cut deadline at work. I can admit being wrong then. 

 

But what about the times when I’m really, really right. I’m talking about beyond the shadow of a doubt kind of right. The “how in the world can you not see my point?” right. The kind of right where you want to go and rally up everyone you know and get them to confirm just how right you are so your righteousness is validated. What about those times? Because when I’m absolutely, positively sure I’m right, it’s my job to dig in my heels and stand my ground. Right? 

 

I have been walking in a particular situation for quite some time that I’ve been praying about daily. It’s one of those situations where I just know I’m right. I was praying about this situation as usual one morning, pouring out my heart. Asking for clarity. Asking for resolution. But then I took Brad’s advice from a recent sermon and decided to be quiet and still and listen for God. 

 

The verse that popped into my head in those quiet moments was not the verse I had expected. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you,” was not necessarily the “advice” I had prepared myself to hear. But it made sense. I’ve spent so much time digging in my heels and rallying my troops that I have been anything but humble. I let the words sink in and then went to my Bible to read them in context. It comforted me to understand that James writes from a place of everyday life with Jesus for people dealing with everyday conflicts and interpersonal struggles. 

 

I’m still dealing with this particular situation and I’m still wrapping my mind around the application of this verse in the context of my struggle, but in humbling myself before God I know that he will work out all things for good in due time. 

 

Prayer:  Dear Father, help me to kneel before you and lay my struggles at your feet. Give me the clarity and humility to see that all situations are not black and white. Give me compassion to understand the viewpoints of others and give me the capacity and energy to work through conflict in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

 

Submitted by: Kelly Barbrey