How to Live an Epic LifeSample

A young man named Samuel was born into a preacher’s family around the time George Washington became the first President of the United States. Samuel was educated at Yale and went off to England to hone his painting skills. He returned home and was married, having become an accomplished painter. 

While he was off painting in another city, his wife fell ill and passed away. Because there was no way to communicate quickly, he did not even know about his wife’s illness until it was too late. This really discouraged and crushed him. Even though he was quite skilled at painting, he gave it up and devoted his life to inventing a way to communicate quickly over a distance. You might know his invention as the telegraph.

In a letter to his second wife, Samuel Morse said, “The more I contemplate this great undertaking, the more I feel my own littleness and the more I perceive the hand of God in it, and how He has assigned to various persons their duties. He being the great controller, all others His honored instruments; hence, our dependence first on God, then on each other.”

Samuel Morse could have been proud, but he humbled himself. His attitude was that what he was able to accomplish was because God helped him. He gave God all the glory. That is the secret to being successful in life. 

In James 4:5, James reminds us of the flesh nature we were born with desires to be elevated. It desires to lust and envy. Our old nature is still a part of our life even after we have received salvation. But now, we have a new nature, we have the Holy Spirit, and it becomes a daily battle of choosing which nature we will yield to.

Here is the key: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4:6-8)  

Are you struggling with pride? Recognize your sinful condition, recognize your real problem, and see the seriousness of your sin. Tell the Lord, “I don’t want that in my life. I know it is hurting me and it is hurting other people. My old nature wants to build me up and make me look good, but I do not want that. I want more grace.”