July 21

Day 129: Impressive

A while ago, while in a conversation with a brother-in-law, I mentioned the many new churches that have been started in Alaska. Perhaps not knowing what else to say, he responded with "Impressive!"

This past Sunday, while beginning our worship service in the covered meeting place at the beach, I saw two friends beginning their walk outside the window. Later, in a text exchange, she mentioned that our willingness to meet in spite of the weather was "Impressive."

Is something "impressive" because we don't know how else to respond? Or is it we are all so wired to impress?

A prolific friend of mine, Jonathan Dodson, breaks it down this way. We're all wired to pride. And the ancient word, "hubris" refers to our self-serving efforts to impress.

"Strong pride" is the impulse to seek attention and even applause from others. We want to look as good, if not better, than some other more impressive person. to do so, we have to look downward toward others.

"Weak pride" also focuses on self. But in a self-depreciating way. Instead of applause, this version seeks acceptance. This pride wants approval from those who are more impressive. To do this, we're constantly looking upward, to other people.

"Middle pride" also centers on self. Consumed with how one feels, it is expressed in "Define yourself," "Stand up for your truth," "You be you." Attempting to reestablish truth around one's own feelings is the work of hubris; where everyone is busy trying to out-impress each other.

We're pretty well versed in all three. In all three versions of pride, we attempt to supplant the truth with the self. And all expressions of pride stand in opposition to God.

Our culture, our society is a collective expression of pride. And with even a little introspection, we realize we contribute our fair share of the same.

It may seem humanly impossible for anyone of us to not think constantly about ourselves. And, we'll all admit; it's exhausting.

Martin Lloyd-Jones said it this way: "We spend the whole of our whole lives watching ourselves. But when a man becomes meek (Matthew 5:7) he has finished with all that; he no longer worries about himself and what other people say. To be truly meek means we no longer protect ourselves, because we see there is nothing worth defending."

Most of us know that Jesus said (in Mark 10:35), "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Our hearts, and thus our lives can only be freed from pride through one thing: worship. Not the continuing worship of self. The worship of the One greater, and certainly more impressive than any of us. Worship of God requires and results in meekness in us.

It is impossible for anyone of us to not think constantly about ourselves. Except that worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does take our eyes off of ourselves, even for a moment. We enjoy a brief respite from our own pride. As a glimmer of heaven.

A fracture in time when we don't see the need or value to us in being impressive.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau