It was to my shock and dismay that God recently revealed an ugly monument in my life.

Monument building starts with pride, which is something we all struggle with. Most people wouldn’t even recognize my sin as a monument to self, but as 1st Samuel says, “God looks at the heart” – all of it – the good and the bad.

A few weeks ago, I accepted an offer on a property I was selling. Everything shifted into high gear as we packed, sold stuff, and put things in storage. You should know that this was no small task. The property consisted of my home, my daughter and her family’s home, two current renters’ homes, 9 vacant rental dwellings, storage units, chicken coop for 30 chickens and a workshop full of tools I’d inherited from my dad.

The monument began with a moving company taking some very large, heavy stuff to a storage unit. I had planned out just where each item should be placed in order to create a framework to accommodate boxes and other belongings, ensuring that the space would be perfectly used from floor to the ceiling. I didn’t just sit back and let them do their job. I helped push stuff around and arranged things to my liking. During the unloading, one of the movers asked me my age. Most people are stunned to find out that I’m 67. This in itself has fanned my ego but the mover went on to say, “Wow. You are strong.” I did manage to give God some of the credit but also patted myself on the back for my work ethic.

Once the framework was complete, I took truckload after truckload of stuff to storage. As the moving progressed and our belongings stacked beautifully into the nooks and crannies, I felt tremendous pride at how organized I was. That storage unit was a work of art!

And then the accident happened. An incredibly heavy piece of equipment fell against my leg and cracked a bone, subjecting me to a number of days on crutches and an almost total dependence on others to help me move. Argh!

It’s amazing how God can totally stop us in our tracks in order to draw our attention to the deficits in our walk with Him.

He revealed to me my prideful heart in being able to get things done. I was taking credit for the ideas, the strength, and the time invested in this move when it was only Almighty God who should be glorified for these abilities.

“Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

The Bible is full of warnings to us about the destructiveness of our pride. And here’s the thing: if we don’t worship Him for the many blessings and abilities He gives us, He WILL humble us before Him eventually – either in this life or in eternity.

Who would have ever thought a storage unit could be a monument? God the Father abhors prideful behavior and, while I have not enjoyed having an injury, I deserved so much worse. So I humbly ask you to take a moment and inquire of the Lord, “What is my monument to myself?”

A few days ago, I was back at the storage unit and had the opportunity to pray with the manager of the facility.

In that moment, I realized that God had taken something I had made a mess of and turned it around for His glory and purpose.