Never All That
READ IT ALOUD: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
PONDER IT PRAYERFULLY: Doing the Virtue is Possible interview began a thought process in my mind this past weekend.
One reason, as we have found out before, why temperance must come with knowledge, is because pride can easily be formed in the hearts of people who are privileged. When God shows us our worth, it is easy for us to begin to think we don’t need Him. When He brings us out of murky situations and sets our foot upon the rock, we should be careful not to think we got there on our own.
Pride is the beginning of a Christian’s downfall. Why has God privileged us to know our worth in Him? Why has He given us everything that we “own”? Is it for us to revel and begin to look down on those who have not reached a certain perceived level?
Jesus said, “Many that are first shall be last” (Matthew 19:30). The Bible says, “Woe to those who are rich” (Luke 6:24). Being rich does not necessarily mean having money – people can be rich in talent or gifts or friends or connections. Did Jesus say these things because wealth and being first are bad things, or because of the fact that the flesh many times overtakes people and memories fade too soon?
BE A DOER (JAMES 1:22): We are not irreplaceable. We are never too good for God. We are placed where we are for a reason and it is not and should not be about us. Are we truly living our lives in such a way as to say that we know that God is calling us good and faithful servants, or are we too busy trying to measure up to certain superficial yardsticks? And are we so complacent with where we are because now we have discovered something about ourselves and do not feel we need to grow anymore? We had better watch out – the journey of salvation is about more than us getting to be successful, beneficial, or spiritual in a worldly sense.
HIDE IT IN YOUR HEART (PSALM 119:11): Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).
PRAY IT PERSONALLY: Lord, for every single good thing that has happened to me, You are responsible. Please forgive me for forgetting where You have brought me from. Help me to grow out of viewing my circumstances as being just about me. Where You bless me, help me to long to bless others. Remove complacency far away from me, Lord – remove pride far from my spirit and let me long to continually be humble, serving You whether I am noticed or unnoticed, remembering that leadership is about being a servant and serving is about being obedient. In Jesus’ Name I humbly ask it; Amen.
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