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Aren't You
Too Proud?
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A man convinced many that he had finished college. He got a job in an
office. However, time came when he was required by his office to take the
board exam. Since he could not present a transcript of records that was
needed before taking that exam, he became afraid that his lie might be
discovered, so he stopped reporting for work. He locked himself in his room
and talked to a statue of stone in his room. He received the ability to ‘heal the
sick’. Later, it became evident that an evil spirit had possessed him, and he
became violent.
Indeed, because of his pride, he lied and would not admit he had not
finished his studies. As a result, he lost his job, his girlfriend, and even his
sanity.
You might ask, “Can that happen because of pride?” Let us see what the
Bible says:
“…. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you. …. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
(James 4:6-10)
A proud person does not trust God in the area he is confident (Habakkuk
2:4) nor does he submit himself to God nor resist the devil who is proud
(Isaiah 14:12-14). As a result, God opposes him. He falls and his life is
destroyed. That is what happened to the man in our story. So…
DO NOT BE PROUD!
Yes, it is foolish for you to compare yourself with others. See for example
the following result of such actions:
John and Michael lived in the same apartment. Each time John shared
something good that happened in his work, Michael had a better story. One
time, John was so enthusiastic about a job development. But fearing that
Michael would try to surpass his story again, John decided to keep his story for
himself.
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Are you like Michael? … How often do you speak and brag about
yourself? ... What is your motive? ... Do you want to inspire others and glorify
God? ... Or, do you just want to be recognized? …
If you want to boast, boast of your weakness. Be like the Apostle Paul who
said:
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness….” (2
Corinthians 11:30-31)
Have you told someone, “You are just a novice! And you are the one who
is supposed to teach me? I am the one with more experience!” Is it obvious
that you so believe in yourself that you can no longer listen and learn from
others?
If you are tempted to compare yourself with others, just compare yourself
with what Christ would do if He were in your situation. Paul said:
Did you consider yourself better and more important (NAS) than others? ...
Were there instances where you insisted on having your own way? ... If so,
you had been proud!
You might ask, “What if my ways are really better than others. What
should I do?”
It is good if you pray for people whom you think are less qualified than
yourself. Do something also to help them in their weakness, instead of
belittling them.
HONOR OTHERS
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above
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yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
If you were in a group that succeeded in a project, whose work did you
first give the credit to—that of others or yourself? ... Did you value the
contribution of others in the group? … or, you did not even notice it? …
“Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he
will love you.” (Proverbs 9:8)
When you are rebuked, criticized or counseled, do you get angry? ... Do
you say, “I don’t see anything wrong with what I did!… You don’t understand
me! Why is it that I get the blame?” ...Instead of reacting at once, why don’t
you first really listen?… Could it be pride?…
Do you think you are so important that you act as if God’s purposes would
not be accomplished without your help? ...
Are you so confident of your doctrine that you are ready to argue and
defend it? ... When you argued, were some saved from sin and hell in the
process? Were they strengthened in their faith? ... If not, it was vain for you
to argue! (1 Timothy 1:3-7) ...
“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound
instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited
and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and
quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil
suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who
have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to
financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
Does this mean you are not to answer any question when others have
different points of view? No. The Apostle Peter gives us a clear command:
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give
an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that
you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)
As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath
days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and
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proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. (Acts 17:2-3)
Indeed, not all debates are evil and expose pride. Some may be used for
the good of others.
Pride can also be seen in the conceit that you know everything about the
topic of conversation:
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool
than for him. (Proverbs 26:12)
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not
know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached
to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:21)
This means that all the principles, beliefs and convictions which are contrary
to the knowledge of God are part of worldly wisdom.
Do you trust in your own intelligence? … your wisdom? ... Do you feel as if
you know everything there is to be known about doctrines, methods and
other things about the Bible or God? ...
Remember:
“The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he
ought to know.” (1 Corinthians 8:2)
When someone talks about a topic you already know, do you listen? ... If
not, you do not yet know what you need to know!
“If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I
have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the
tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;
as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness,
faultless.” (Philippians 3:4-6)
How about you my friend? In pleasing God, whom do you trust? ... In
what you are doing, do you trust in your strength and abilities? ... in your
financial capability? ... in those whom you know? ... in those who know
you? ...
Be truthful to yourself. Admit any sin God may reveal to you now:
“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the
truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8 NAS)
If you want to be forgiven in any of the sins listed here, you may write
me at equippers@msn.com. You may also want to read this 2 page
link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/22396398/Do-You-Want-to-
Always-be-with-God-who-Reigns.