Lesson 7
I. Introduction.
Have you noticed that it seems within the last 40 years that our
society has become increasingly more egocentric. Especially in
the 70's, the idea of self indulgence and self destruction became
a growing force in the lives of everyone, especially young people.
A need for glory and attention seems to have replaced humility
and hard work. I think that the question we often ask when we
approach something in our lives is, "What will this do for
Me?" The strain that this brings on our personal lives of
constantly seeking physical things and worrying if they will help
satisfy our need for glory and attention, must increase our stress.
Gen. 4:2-16, 13:5-13, Acts 8:9-24
II. Let others have the glory.
There is something truly great that happens to us, a sense of
calm that comes over us, when we cease needing all the attention
directed toward ourselves and instead allow others to have the
glory. Our need for excessive attention is that ego-centered part
of us that says, "Look at me. My story is more interesting
than yours." It's the need we find within us that says "my
accomplishments are slightly more important than anyone else.
The ego is that part of us that wants to be seen, heard, respected,
considered special, often at the expense of someone else. It's
the part of us that interrupts someone else's story, or impatiently
waits his turn to speak so that he can bring the conversation
and attention back to himself. To varying degrees, most of us
engage in this bad habit, much to our own detriment. When you
immediately dive in and bring the conversation back toward you,
you can subtly minimize the joy that that person has in sharing,
and in doing so, create distance between yourself and others.
Everyone loses.
The next time someone tells you a story or shares an accomplishment
with you, notice your tendency to say something about yourself
in response. Although it's a difficult habit to break, it's not
only enjoyable, but actually peaceful to have the quiet confidence
to be able to surrender your need for attention and instead share
in the joy of someone else's glory
Rather than jumping right in and saying, "Once I did the
same thing" or "Guess what I did today," bite your
tongue and notice what happens. Just say, "That's wonderful,"
or "Please tell me more."
Obviously, there are many times when it's absolutely appropriate
to exchange experience back and forth, and to share in the glory
and attention rather than giving it all away. What we are talking
about here is the compulsive need to grab it from others.
III. Become more Patient Ecc. 7:8, Rom 2:7-8, 12:10-13,
I Thess. 5:14
The quality of patience goes a long way toward our goal of creating
a more peaceful and loving self. Without patience, life is extremely
frustrating. You are easily annoyed, bothered, and irritated.
Patience adds a dimension of ease and acceptance to your life.
Becoming more patient involves opening your heart to the present moment, even if you don't like it. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, late for an appointment, opening to the moment would mean catching yourself building a mental snowball before your thinking got out of hand and gently reminding yourself to relax. This is also a good time to remember to take a big breath, pray, and thank God for what we have.
It is especially difficult to develop patience with children. How many times have you been interrupted in work or conversation by a child wanting your attention? One of my most trying times at school is just before the last bell rings to begin class: all my 6th graders have a problem that they want me to solve. They want it solved now! Reminding them calmly that we will solve all problems eventually and they need to take their seats and be recognized first, was a lesson that I had to learn in the beginning. To them their problem is the only one that counts at that moment, and it needs to be solved immediately. Then I must also remember that they depend on me to help them and trust me to do the right thing in solving their problems. Granted there are times that it is difficult to see this when you have 20-25 twelve-year old students vying for your attention. I think, however, if we look deeply enough, we can almost always see the innocence in other people as well as in frustrating situations.
We, as God's people, must always work for patience in dealing
with others. We may be their only hope for finding the will of
God, and turning their lives to Christ.
Happy Verses: Gen. 1:4, Joshua 24:15, Psalms 34:8, Acts 9:36-42