Thursday, March 18, 2010

Puffed Up


A goldfinch - like this one outside my window this morning - may be puffed up for several reasons. Sometimes the little bird is sick, but it may fluff its feathers in an attempt to stay warm. This morning the temp was in the lower 40's and the wind was cold, so it seemed that this cute, fluffy finch was sunning.

A "puffed up" person makes quite a different impression! I'll let you visualize your own mental picture! It's not a pretty sight, is it? Whatever the reason - pride, hurt feelings, grudges, inflated ego - this spiritually unhealthy characteristic is not an endearing one; neither is it Christ-like.

He's all about love . . . and forgiveness . . . and humility . . . and servanthood!

And so I should pattern my life after Him. When I am tempted and feel my feathers beginning to ruffle - you know the feeling - He's as near as a prayer and ready to help me . . . for a love like His "is not jealous or boastful or proud [puffed up]." (ICor. 13:4)

"O, to be like Thee; O to be like Thee . . .
Stamp Thine own image deep in my heart."
~Thomas O. Chisholm~

6 comments:

Southern Lady said...

A very good comparison. We, like the bird, are much lovlier when we are not 'puffed up'. Carla

Anonymous said...

Your mini-devotions are always so encouraging ... and often a bit convicting which I thank you for. God's Word is such a delight! Thanks for this Glenda. Have a great weekend.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Interesting Glenda how you compared the puffed up bird to us humans.... We are not very pretty people when we are all 'puffed-up'... That inflated ego is not a pretty sight for sure!!!!

Have a great Friday... it's SUNNY here. Yeah!
Hugs,
Betsy

Ginny Hartzler said...

A wonderful comparison! I hope the little bird is just cold, and not sick! An unusual viewpoint in this picture, it's really charming!

S. Etole said...

I always think the little birds look so vulnerable when they are "puffed" ...

Nancy said...

I LOVE these thoughts!! Thanks for sharing!!