When I was in Junior High our basketball team won 16 of our 17 games. The only game we lost was to a Catholic school which pretty much had full grown men (Lol). Every half time speech by coach Robles ended the same way. After he corrected our mistakes, praised our good passing or shooting, he told us why we were going to win. He would grab a piece of chalk and write on his portable chalkboard, because we have P, R, I, D, E – PRIDE! Then he would throw the chalk and it would smash on the board we would cheer. That’s a great coach. There is holy pride and unholy pride. The apostle Paul took pride in the spiritual growth and exchange of love and affection with the believers in Corinth. When we enter the life, our godly relationships and service in the kingdom of God will will be a source of holy pride for all of us.
For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end; just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, on the day of our Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 NASB
With whom do I share this kind of connection, affection, and purpose? Who is yet to become part of such an eternal relationship?
God, as this day begins- I feel the same way. There are so many over the years that have become dear to me. Some poured into me and I into others. What matters is the striving toward godly sincerity and away from earthly wisdom. The grace You have afforded has made all the difference. For that I am grateful. Now, please use my efforts today to encourage two families holding memorials for their loved ones.
