One of my Heroes

I have great respect for Mother Theresa. A small woman who simply devoted her life to obeying the command of Jesus Christ to feed and clothe the least of His people. (see Matthew 25)

She once said, "Don't give in to discouragement. No more must you do so when you try to settle a marriage crisis or convert a sinner and don't succeed. If you are discouraged, it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own powers. Never bother about people's opinion. Be humble and you will never be disturbed. It is very difficult to practice because we all want to see the result of our work. Leave it to Jesus."

I very recently saw the connection between discouragement and pride. I love the way Mother Theresa expresses it. However, far more important is what the Bible has to say about it.

Philippians 2:1-8
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death

Jesus did not get discouraged, even in the face of betrayal and fickle crowds that one day praised Him and about a week later screamed "Crucify Him!" He did not value their opinions of Him... He did not even value His own opinion of Himself. He loved them, but He knew the wickedness in the heart of mankind. The only opinion He was concerned with was that of his Father in heaven. May we have that same attitude.