Old Testament Genesis 11:1-13:4
New Testament Matthew 5:1-26
Psalm 5:1-12
Proverbs 1:24-28
Call On Him
I suffer from American individualism. One of the great strengths of the American spirit is the desire and the ability to get things done and tackle difficulties. The weakness of this trait is identified when we falsely believe we have done it on our own. Or we are too embarrassed to ask others for help in accomplishing the goal or overcoming the difficulty. Either way it is pride. Now I can state it, “I suffer from pride.” That is why I need God. That is why I need my family. That is why I need His church. They humble me and help me.
In chapter 12 God addresses Abram and says he is going to make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great (Gen 12:2). That no doubt will fuel a person’s pride. At the end of the Genesis reading today it says “Abram called upon the name of the LORD” (Gen. 13:4). At this point Abram takes time to worship God for the help, guidance, and gifts he had been given. Abraham recognizes the LORD had guided him when a famine came upon the land. He also has seen the LORD’s merciful and protecting hand over him even when he was deceitful. Through it all, the Lord has allowed Abram to become “very rich” (13:2).
When you take an honest inventory of your abilities and achievements how can you not be humbled by the work of the Lord in your life. There is no room for individualism. In response we ought to call upon the Lord like Psalm 5 says,
“O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for your and watch.” – Psalm 5:3
“I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.” – Psalm 5:7b
There is a warning for those who suffer from a John Wayne complex, where everyone is kept at arm’s length and problems are deal with alone, or the Frank Sinatra syndrome of “I Did it My Way.” These are forms of pride that continually turns away from correction, refuses to listen, and ignores counsel. Consider Proverbs 1:24-29.
Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, 25
because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 26
I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, 27
when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. 29
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
If you suffer from this pulsating pride here is an invitation for you to “Call on Him” and seek forgiveness for living with such individualism and no serious acknowledgment of His grace and mercy given to you.