Over the last several days I have been watching and listening to C.J. Mahaney. C.J. is a passionate about the gospel. Every time I hear him speak God uses him to shred my soul. I have listened to his message on “Sustaining the Pastor’s Soul”. One of the things he says that wrecks me is…
“One primary way to weaken the sin of pride is to, by the grace of God, cultivate gratefulness for the many evidences of grace in your church. Paul’s gratefulness for this church was informed by his awareness of God’s activity in this church. He was more aware of evidences of grace than areas of deficiency.“
I have the propensity to focus on areas of deficiency in people and in my church. If I go deeper, I think I constantly see areas of deficiency in my own life. I very rarely give myself grace or view my life with grace or am grateful for evidences of grace in my life. Lack of satisfaction, always pushing, little gratefulness for accomplishments… the vision is always bigger and always out of reach. Perhaps it is the curse of a visionary or pioneer.
I am reminded of the old hymn, “Count You Blessings”…
Verse 1
When upon life’s billows You are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged Thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you What the Lord hath done.
Chorus:
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your blessings See what God hath done.
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings See what God hath done.
Verse 2
Are you ever burdened With a load of care,
Does the cross seem heavy You are called to bear.
Count your many blessings Every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing As the days go by.
Verse 3
When you look at others With their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised You His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings Money cannot buy,
Your reward in heaven Nor your home on high.
Verse 4
So amid the conflict Whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged God is over all.
Count your many blessings Angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you To your journey’s end.