The Emperor's New Clothes.. and What Not to Wear

We all remember the story of the "Emperor's New Clothes" when two "sweet talkers" convinced a monarch that he could parade the town in an "invisible" suit that stupid people would be unable to see. The Monarch loved the idea and paraded through town wearing nothing. The people of the town all pretended to see the "invisible suit" for fear of looking ignorant, but it was a child that pointed out the obvious and brought the monarch to shame... with the words "He's wearing nothing at all"...

Sometimes, we too, "clothe" ourselves with so much pride...we may feel inadequate but put on an "invisible suit" for others to admire.. the truth is.. like the monarch.. we are naked... empty... alone... and have fallen for the "Ultimate Sweet Talker Satan" who tells us we deserve the best.. we are better than others. and that we are more deserving.. more loyal.. and so on... This only leads to bitterness and shame.

Proverbs 11:2 says "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Many times we are reactive in situations of conflict.. we are defensive, outraged, lash out... instead, we need to be reflective... and listen... We do not need to step in as our own attorney at every claim filed... We do not have to be right all the time... Believe it or not.. and this one is a hard one for me.. but others can do things just as good as we can...

We hide behind our "fancy clothes" and eleoquent tongues when inside we are nothing but filthy rags... after awhile... someone will state the obvious... and when we stand naked in front of the mirror.. we will no longer be able to hide from the truth... Our tongues and our pride go hand in hand... To seal our lips would be the greatest gift... Proverbs 12:18 says "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing".

When critics come, welcome them... Ask God for strength to handle at least one rebuke with honor... Humility is never cowardice, but strength in action... Pride takes a simple assault... and makes it a battery...