pride Archives - Rita Klundt

I’ve been caught by this tool of the devil,

and suppose that you might have been too.

It sneaks through our thoughts to our actions,

then soon drives many things that we do.

As a sin, it gets little attention.

It can be really hard to ID,

but there’s evidence of its destruction

in everyone’s family tree.

As children, we might have been scolded,

without hearing this sin called by name.

Maybe that’s why there’s so much frustration

when we want what another has gained.

Have you guessed which of the commandments?

Is it two, four, six, eight or ten?

Here’s a clue: This tool of the devil

makes us feel that we always must win.

We call it the big, green-eyed monster,

and preach without offering grace.

Yet, when we spend time with the mirror,

we see plenty of green on our face.

The haughty and proud deny envy,

but if they would only think twice,

Beyond their material possessions,

would more skill or influence be nice?

You won’t hear me saying, “It’s easy.”

Instead, hear my cry, “Help me, Lord!”

I use up my time and my wages,

and then want what another has stored.

When we do harbor envy or covet,

it’s disguised rather well as a need.

Our fam’ly and friends might not see it,

but God knows our pride and our greed.

He said to us, “Thou shalt not covet,”

not to punish, withhold or control.

For each of us personalized blessings.

More than needs, his abundance can flow.

Help us run from the good and the better,

and to chase after all of God’s best.

Then His goodness should pour out on others.

Not hoarded. Not owned as a quest.

Oh, the list could go on – what we covet.

Some drag this sad sin to the grave.

Where they want for the peace and contentment

of others, forgiven and saved.

The last of the Ten Commandments

should never be seen as the least.

When we fail to obey the nine others,

could covetous be the true beast?

So I ask of the Lord to reveal it

when my discontent gets in His way.

I can rest in His tender reminder.

It’s something like this that I pray:

Now I lay me down to sleep.

I trust the Jones’ you will keep.

If all my stuff someone should take,

I’ll be content when I awake.

Thanks for your wise and clear commands.

Thanks for your strength and guiding hands.

Whatever circumstance I find,

help me not want for what’s not mine.

Help me to pray this every day,

for envy has a sneaky way.

I pray your mercy on this fool.

Help me avoid this devilish tool.

( I wrote this rhyming poem way back in 2013, before I knew how fulfilling it is to “play” with words. I’ve been thinking all week that I need to revisit what I started back then, and write the four more poems needed to include all of the 10 Commandments. The last 6 of the 10 are complete, but as you can imagine, commandments 1-4 lend themselves to a deeper respect and caution. I’ve started them, and then deleted them, having been unable to capture the significance of those commandments and do it in rhyme. Anyway … my goal in this particular poem is to draw the reader in with rhymes, and then bring them to ponder how disregarding and disobeying this 10th commandment might be a bigger problem than we think. And by the way, I can’t deny this poem as “autobiographical.” Even as I proofread before posting, the Lord revealed to me where my envy has tarnished an otherwise friendly relationship. I owe someone … probably more than one someone … an apology and another chance. Envy does have a sneaky way, and it is a favored tool of the devil. )

1 Comment

Look, what I can do.

Look, what I have done.

Look, how much I’ve given.

And look, how far I’ve come.

But something’s missing.

Top in my class.

Top of the heap.

Top of the line.

Top notch.

One of a kind.

One in a million.

Awarded this. Awarded that.

Seen.

But something’s missing.

Rich, and I’ve earned it.

Talent, but I’ve practiced.

Success, but I’ve prepared.

Smart. My mother tells me so.

Good, because honey catches more flies than vinegar.

Friendly, because everyone needs a friend.

Generous, because philanthropy is what bigshots do.

Trustworthy, because a reputation cannot be replaced.

Still, something is missing.

Look, what I can do.

Look, what I have done.

Look, how much I’ve given.

Look, how far I’ve come.

What is it that I still need?

Something greater yet for me?

“Don’t be silly, Self,” I said.

“You only lack humility.”

Credit offered to others when it clearly isn’t due.

My niceties for rudeness when frustration wants to spew.

What is more amazing?

What other gift to bring?

To give myself good feelings,

aside from these great things?

I’m at a loss for words and thoughts

of shoulds and woulds and coulds and oughts.

My mind and soul are longing still

to find new deeds that suit my will.

And sleep won’t come because something’s missing.

What more is there to sacrifice

that won’t risk shame or higher price?

My journey set, my path is sure.

Was ease and comfort mere detour?

Or have I placed my confidence

in only self and fool’s pretense?

The Lord of heaven and of earth,

He sees my need and my true worth.

Humility is what I want, but later to attain.

I understand it can’t be earned and might involve some pain.

If there’s a way … of course there is. I’ll figure all that out.

Don’t good things come to those who are religious and devout?

I know already what’s required and how that I will choose.

To be humble is to win at life. To be humbled is to lose.

I’ll ask my friends and family to please cooperate,

Then, I will add some humble pie to my full dinner plate.

But you’ve got to tell me something. You’ve got to tell me this.

Will chasing after humble have me fall into abyss?

Tell me how, and is it worth it? What can I expect?

Is there need to crawl or stumble? I’d rather fly direct?

Look, what I can do.

Look, what I have done.

Look, how much I’ve given.

And look, how far I’ve come.

On second thought—don’t look at me yet. I’m still working on my humble.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are protected. The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall. Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 18:10-12, CSB.)

(Note to my readers and fans – if I have any out there: This piece was written in response to an assigned word prompt. The word was HUMILITY. I feel the need to let you know that, in my humble opinion, although this poem is very well-written, it does have major flaws and does not reflect the attitude or personal accomplishments of the writer. This piece is not intended to be autobiographical or representative of my accomplishments – except that my mother did tell me I was smart – once. I pondered over what sort of disclaimer to add here, as I would love to have this post read and receive lots of good comments, without bragging or pointing to the fact that God has given me a special gift. I ponder whether on not I should tap the “Publish” tab, even as I write this disclaimer. What is a writer to do? Is humility not one of the hardest things?! It seems the humility I manage to muster is quickly defeated by a stronger pride. Humility is fleeting at best. It’s a heart problem. Please tell me I’m not the only one with a diagnosis of humility deficiency. It’s a thing. It’s really a thing. I reminded myself in the writing of this piece that there is a cure – at the very least, an antidote. Humility can be achieved through the giving of praise to Jesus for all the good things he had done. but also through offering Christ-like obedience in the simplest of thoughts and words, then actions. Look, at what He can do. Look, at what He has done. Look, at how much He has given. And look, at how far He has come!)

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy … dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, CSB.)

3 Comments

Tag: pride

A Devilish Tool

Look at Me