On Being Human

I'm writing a paper on King David right now. It focuses on his humility. This summer I was reading a book entitled Humble Leadership: Being Radically Open to God's Guidance and Grace. At the same time the Lectionary, which I read devotionally was moving through 1 and 2 Samuel. It was (I suppose) natural that I would be reading about David's life with the rubric of humility superimposed...

I preached at a church a couple of weeks ago, and afterward one of the elders asked me who my favorite Bible character is. I promptly replied David (though my 'favorites' are subject to change). He was surprised. "David was a scoundrel. A womanizer." "Yes," I responded, "but he was humble." And that's the truth. David was always ready to submit to God's will and ways, even - or maybe especially after he'd sinned.

David did some very human things. He wasn't idealized in the biblical narrative. It's actually normal for the foibles of the biblical characters to be highlighted, since the Story is really about God... But when you think of kingship in the Old Testament only David is upheld as a successful example of "king." He's an integral part of the history of salvation.

David's humanity shouldn't make us uncomfortable. I don't know about you, but I fall into the 'human' category myself. My leadership at home, church, and work is effective, but flawed by my own sin and brokenness. Check out this quote from Eugene Peterson's commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel:

"...notice the way the story keeps us immersed in and attentive to hour human condition. For it is not easy to attend to ourselves; it is more attractive to try to rise above our human condition; it is easier to sink below our human condition and live like animals. But 'human' is unique, and we require a long growing up to realize who we are and the way we are before God. (p. 137)"

It's okay to be human. Don't worry if in the story of your life your 'starring' role is marred by lots of imperfections. You don't really have the starring role - not even in the story of your own life. "For we possess this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that this surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Cor.

The Power of Gratitude

Lately I've encountered several people who have been very focused on what's wrong. What's wrong in their lives. What's wrong with other people in their lives. What's wrong in their town, the USA, and the world. Lots and lots of talk about what's wrong.

I was playing tennis a couple of weeks ago at one of our city parks and mentioned that I would be playing the following day (Sunday) after church. A guy there said, "Oh, you need to go and atone for your sins, huh?" I responded, "No, I'm going in gratitude for all that God has blessed me with." He told me that God had done nothing for him.

Christians focus a lot on gratitude. Gratitude is meant to be the motivation for much of what we do. As grateful recipients of love, grace, forgiveness, and God's generosity, we should be generous givers of the same. The concept of tithing is rooted in gratitude. Does God need our money? Not, really. Does God need us to say, "Thank you?" No.

We're the ones who need to experience and express gratitude. Gratitude focuses us on the positive. If you want to be happy, it's critical that you have an attitude of gratitude. Why? I think because we get what we're looking for. If you feel that everything is wrong in your life, and you spend time thinking about all that is lacking, you'll be miserable. Things will go from bad to worse as you spiral down that rabbit hole.

It's amazing, however, how focusing on all that is right and good seems to increase your awareness of all that is right and good. Even when there is something wrong that can't be ignored, it's better to begin your prayers about it with a thankful heart - one that acknowledges anything good in the situation or person you're praying about or for.

Spend some time thanking God for the good stuff. There's lots of it there if you'll look.