POPPING YOUR PERSONAL BUBBLE

                The term “bubble” has become a common part of our language. We speak of the technology bubble, the housing bubble, the economic bubble, etc. I was reminded this week that we can also have a personal bubble.

                The term bubble refers to an inflated situation that is fragile and likely to collapse. In economic terms, a bubble is unsustainable. It brings great profits for a while, then the bottom drops out. A personal bubble is having an inflated view of your own importance. Like an economic bubble, it can boost your ego and sense of value for a time. Eventually, something will happen to cause your bubble to pop. When that happens, it is usually painful.

                The Bible tells us that God opposes the proud, but lifts up the humble. The problem for many of us is that our understanding of pride and humility is fuzzy. We can think of ourselves as being humble, when, in fact, we are very prideful. Sometimes our illusion of humility is our downfall; we are proud of our humility! Graciously, God brings situations into our lives to make us aware of our error. Usually, when God holds up His mirror to us, it is a painful experience, because we see ourselves as we really are. There is no hiding, no excusing, no explaining. God does this for our good; to correct our errors, and restore us to a right relationship with Him.

                When God allows us to be confronted about our personal bubble, our first response is to become defensive. We try to justify ourselves, make excuses, and rationalize our behavior. Then we try to turn the tables on the other person. We start to find fault with them. We accuse them of being unfair or unloving. We do this because we know that, even if their accusations are exaggerated and hurtful, there is some truth in what they are saying. I think that, in part, this is what Paul was referring to in Galatians 6:1-5.  

                Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

                Self-righteousness always leads us in the wrong direction. Humble self-examination is the antidote to ungodly pride. The temptation that Paul is talking about is thinking that we are better, more spiritual, more holy than the other person. Instead, we need to realize that we are fellow strugglers, and that we need each other.

                Paul hits on this in Romans 12 :3-8.  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

                Paul reminds us of three important truths. First, we need to have an honest, accurate understanding of who we are in Christ and as an individual. Second, we are part of a community of faith that God wants to work together for His glory. Third, we are to use whatever gifts God has given to us to the best of our ability and with humility.

                My personal bubble has been pricked, and it is deflating. It makes me sad, not because my bubble has been punctured, but because I allowed it to get overinflated. It is time to take a close look in the mirror again, and make the proper course corrections.