HOW FRAIL I AM

“LORD, MAKE ME TO KNOW MINE END, AND THE MEASURE OF MY DAYS, WHAT IT IS THAT I MAY KNOW HOW FRAIL I AM.” PSALM 39:4

Maturity comes as the result of humility; humility is the result of honesty. Neither are often reached without transparency and accountability.

Before we can grow; we must know. Before I can be a better anything, I must be willing to recognize that there is a need for improvement. I can blame my wife that I am not a better husband or I can admit that I need to be a better husband and become one for my wife.

You’ve heard it said that the trails of life will either make you bitter or better and it is I that makes the difference. Here David’s cry; “LORD, MAKE ME TO KNOW - HOW FRAIL I AM.” Of course David was speaking of being physically weak, however without an honest assessment of ourselves; a willingness to learn from others and a hunger to hear from God, we will never be prepared to grow stronger, physically, emotionally or spiritually. As long as you are content with “good enough” you will never be better. “KNOW IT ALLS” never do.

I have listened in amazement to those individuals who can tell everyone else how to live while their own lives are in shambles. “I have two sons in prison, but let me tell you how to be a good parent! I have a lousy relationship with my step-children, but let me tell you what you’re doing wrong”. It is neither common sense nor humility that is missing, it is both!

Let you and I begin with the man in the mirror. Let us ask God to show us our short-comings, however do not bother to ask to see your failures until you are ready to admit your imperfection and you are ready to do the hard work of changing. Pray, “God show me how to be a better man, mate, friend, disciple; show me how frail I am! Help me to grow and change.”

The natural response to the ugliness of sin in our lives is to blame someone else. In one fell-swoop Adam blamed God, disrespected his wife and shirked responsibility for his sin when confronted in the garden; “THE MAN SAID, ‘THE WOMAN YOU PUT HERE WITH ME – SHE GAVE ME SOME FRUIT FROM THE TREE AND I ATE IT.” Adam does admit that he ate the fruit only after he blames God and his Wife. Eve was deceived, but Adam chose to disobey. The better answer, the honest answer should have been; “God, I messed-up. I should have been the spiritual leader; I should have set the example.”

Blame will take you no where good. Honesty and humility will bring you the opportunity for maturity. AMEN!