QUESTION #6
Is there any pride in our hearts? Are we puffed up? Do we think a great deal of our own position and attainments?
I once worked in an atmosphere with a mention of a name or title brought immediate attention and demanded it’s way. It made me feel really uncomfortable. I have no problem honoring people or recognizing their accomplishments. Matter of fact, I love encouraging others and celebrating them in their strengths. There is a difference though when we are basing our affirmation on our positions and success. Obviously there will be people who rise to the tops of companies and ministries. That is both biblical and unavoidable as we need leaders and people to operate in their gifts.
The moment where our identity is solely based on our success is when pride comes into play. Being a child of God and submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is what makes you a success. You are not successful because you are recgonized more than another or because you have attained a social status. There is humility that comes from being one who is dependent upon the Lord. This doesn’t mean take on the opposite problem of low self esteem, but it does mean we know where our strength comes from.
Each of you are equipped with natural gifts and personalities from the Creator Himself. In His creating you, He never designed you to write your name upon these attributes. The more acknowledged you are by man, the more dependent you will need to become on Him. We must realize that “apart from Him, we can do nothing” (John 15:5). People in this world may honor you because of your importance here, but humility will always grant you honor before the One who matters most!
APPLICATION:
1, Although it is all around us in this world, pride is not of God. Things birthed or carried out in pride will always end in destruction. Are there areas of your life where pride has crept in? Are there God dreams you thought were over because they ended poorly? A quick evaluation could reveal that maybe they aren’t over, but just need to be rebuilt in humility.
2.Giving of yourself is a way of bringing humility into your life and making room for Jesus. Think of two ways that you can give of yourself this week in a way that challenges you. This could be encouraging someone you’ve been jealous or judgmental of. It could also be apologizing to someone for stirring up strife. Take the road of humility, it’s long lasting!
SCRIPTURES:
2 Chronicles 26:16 His pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God.
Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.