Romans 12:3-8
The “arrogance of youth” is a phrase that annoys you when you are young but makes perfect sense as you get older. I can remember as a teen telling my dad during an argument- “Dad, you don’t understand-I know stuff!” His response was given with a chuckle “The stuff you know, isn’t worth much. It doesn’t lead to godliness or have any value in real life situations”. My dad was right; I didn’t have the life experiences or the knowledge to fully understand the consequences for my actions. This arrogance was an effort to put myself above accountability. Pride manifests itself in selfishness, and I was selfish. Selfishness and pride point everything in life to MY needs and wants. Pride bulldozes the needs of others to make sure you receive the spotlight, the adulation, or the things you desire.
Pride and arrogance are a danger to my walk with God. I start replacing God’s priorities for my own selfish desires. In Luke 18:9-14 (highly recommend you read this parable), Jesus tells a parable of a religious leader and a tax collector. The religious leader, who should be fully trusting in God which brings humility, is extremely arrogant because of his perceived favor in God’s eyes. This arrogance caused him to treat others with contempt. His prayer is one of selfish pride in his works for God and the greatness of his efforts. The tax collector on the other hand, prays humbly that God would have mercy on his actions. The tax collector expresses the humility I should try to exhibit in my life.
In World War 2 the British had a sign posted all around London during the arial bombings from the Germans. The sign said: “Be calm and carry on.” Let’s modify that sign for our work for God’s Kingdom. “Be Humble and serve faithfully” should be my mantra as I go about trying to serve Jesus. As believers we must be humble and not like the religious leader of Jesus’ parable. This leader was supposed to serve humbly, shepherding and tending to God’s people. Humility simply puts the needs of others ahead of your own needs. Jesus is a perfect example of this. Throughout the Gospels you see Jesus meet needs whether emotional, spiritual, or physical in a humble and powerful way.
Today, can you pray and give to Jesus those areas of your life that you have selfishly controlled? Pray for a humble heart that looks for opportunities to serve others. Let me serve to put others’ needs ahead of my own. Let me serve using all my gifts, talents, and personality. I can and will: “Be Humble and Serve Faithfully”.
Pride and arrogance are a danger to my walk with God. I start replacing God’s priorities for my own selfish desires. In Luke 18:9-14 (highly recommend you read this parable), Jesus tells a parable of a religious leader and a tax collector. The religious leader, who should be fully trusting in God which brings humility, is extremely arrogant because of his perceived favor in God’s eyes. This arrogance caused him to treat others with contempt. His prayer is one of selfish pride in his works for God and the greatness of his efforts. The tax collector on the other hand, prays humbly that God would have mercy on his actions. The tax collector expresses the humility I should try to exhibit in my life.
In World War 2 the British had a sign posted all around London during the arial bombings from the Germans. The sign said: “Be calm and carry on.” Let’s modify that sign for our work for God’s Kingdom. “Be Humble and serve faithfully” should be my mantra as I go about trying to serve Jesus. As believers we must be humble and not like the religious leader of Jesus’ parable. This leader was supposed to serve humbly, shepherding and tending to God’s people. Humility simply puts the needs of others ahead of your own needs. Jesus is a perfect example of this. Throughout the Gospels you see Jesus meet needs whether emotional, spiritual, or physical in a humble and powerful way.
Today, can you pray and give to Jesus those areas of your life that you have selfishly controlled? Pray for a humble heart that looks for opportunities to serve others. Let me serve to put others’ needs ahead of my own. Let me serve using all my gifts, talents, and personality. I can and will: “Be Humble and Serve Faithfully”.
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