Branches and Grafts

This morning I am reflecting on some interesting verses from Paul's letter to the Roman's.  He is discussing ingrafted branches and Israel's salvation.  Here are the verses -  Romans 11:11-24 NIV:

[11] "Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. [12] But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring! 

[13] I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry [14] in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. [15] For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? [16] If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. 

[17] If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, [18] do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. [19] You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” [20] Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. [21] For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. 

[22] Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. [23] And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. [24] After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!"

This is such a good perspective, at least in my mind.  We have no place for pride, no reason to consider ourselves as superior, as we owe all to the original root (Jews) who were the first called, the first to believe, the first to follow Christ Jesus!  There should be no pride, no superiority, no looking down on anyone, for we are here, only of God's choice and free gift!  Our prayers should be for the fullness of the whole Body of Christ to be joined together in unity!  We need the whole Body of Christ, and our inclusion should be a reason for gratitude, not pride, for it really has nothing to do with us, and everything to do with Jesus!  

Oh Lord, please forgive me for any spiritual pride, any judgment towards others in the body of Christ.  Clean my mind, my thinking, my proclivity to think that my way of thinking is the right/correct way and help me to embrace humility in my thinking, my writings and my speaking and dealing with others.  It is clearly all about You Jesus, and I am just so glad to be considered one of Your own!