Who Am I?

The Lord is so great to teach us lessons about ourselves...aren't you thankful?

Recently I was in line at the post office here in our small town of Sycamore. I have always felt appreciative of our post office, being so small, never having to wait long in line. There are only about three main counter assistants which have been very helpful and friendly. Well...except one, but that's for another post.

As I stood in line, I noticed a man walk through the door.  Now it's just he and I awaiting service. The man happened to be a bit scraggly, unshaven and his pants were unlaundered. I could tell he had just put out his cigarette  before coming into my presence and the smell was quite offensive. I stood there feeling more than violated. How dare this guy come into my space smelling horrid and looking less than presentable in public. I felt myself inching away almost unconsciously.

Then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, I was immediately whisked back into reality. The Lord brought to mind how putrid I smelled and how despicable I truly was when He found me. And further more how I can be in that state even now when I am not allowing Him to abide in me at every moment. I stood there feeling broken in a million pieces; my high and mighty, sadity secret thoughts were exposed with God's strobe light. How easily I had forgot. How when I was yet a sinner, an enemy of the very One that loves me more than any human, a rebel, a crucifier - died for me! ME! Even if I were the only one on Earth who had sinned. Can you image that? Hard to fathom...

Those thoughts ushered me into my proper place. Humbled me more than ever. Who am I to think I am better than a man who appears less than perfect on the outside? Do I even know his story? You know we ALL have one, right? The answer is a resounding NO! I do not know his story, but perhaps if Christ had been abiding in me as He should have been, I would have found out his story.  Sad. A missed opportunity...

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3