No Place for Arrogance

 

How many times have you sat and listened to a speaker, Christian or otherwise, that came across as an arrogant know it all? Come on, I know that’s being blunt, but we’ve all been there. Most of the time they try to make you believe what they are saying is the only truth, the only answer.

Wasn’t my last message about humility? When Jesus taught did He come across as a know-it-all?

You can know and recite scripture all day, but if you take them out of context and put your own spin on them you have become a hollow tree … no roots and no fruit.

Let’s see if we can put this in a biblical context, and discern who we should be listening too. Head over to;  2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11 

When you get those passages in your mind, go ahead read the rest of this message.

Having “humility of mind” is really an attitude, isn’t it? It’s a preset mentality that determines ahead of time thoughts like this:

“I care about those around me.”

“Why do I always have to be first? I’m going to help someone else win for a change.”

“Today, it’s my sincere desire to curb my own fierce competitive tendencies and turn that energy into encouraging at least one other person.”

“I willingly release my way this day. Lord, show me how You would respond to others, then make it happen in me.”

Now, before we get neck-deep into this unselfish lifestyle, we need to determine if it is, in fact, promoted in Scripture. Does the Bible come right up front and encourage living like this? I’ll let you determine the answer. As you examine these few New Testament passages, read them slowly . . . and don’t skip one line!

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. (Romans 12:10)

For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5)

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)

Those words (there are many others) have a rare ring to them, don’t they? In fact, some who read those verses might misunderstand and think I’m advocating inferiority. For your sake,  a couple more biblical passages are needed:

For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles. . .  I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. (2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11)

There’s the balance we’re looking for. Authentic humility in no way should be confused with incompetence or lack of self-esteem. As a matter of fact, it is doubtful that anyone who wrestles with an unhealthy self-image can correctly and adequately give to others.

Inferiority and unselfishness cannot coexist. Self-assurance isn’t arrogance, and sharing the word is certainly not being a know-it-all. We’re supposed to go and spread the gospel (Mark 16:15) the way Jesus did, humbly with a servant’s heart. 

You decide, do you listen to someone for their looks, personality, charisma, status, or maybe some other person’s opinion. Just because they’re on TV or center stage doesn’t make them right (look at the fake news). One sure thing, if you follow Jesus and try to stay in His will you can’t be misled. 

Whether you’re a believer or not, someday you will meet Jesus, it could be today, tomorrow or next week, but it’s coming. It’s you’re choice! Get on board or miss the train. We’ll be praying for you, May God’s Glory and Grace follow you all the rest of your days.

Until we meet next time, many blessings and … KEEP LOOKING UP!      Dusty

My Prayer for You: 

Heavenly Father,

fill our minds and spirits with knowledge of you so we can better be a servent and humbly spread the Word of your saving grace and glory to all we meet. Lord, give us boldness, not arrogance to pray for one another, never proclaiming how much we know, but using and sharing all we know to further your kingdom, giving you “all” the praise and glory.

We ask Lord for wisdom, Looking to you for direction, not man.

We ask for forgiveness and strength to do you will, not ours.

 In the name of Jesus,  Lord, heal our sick, the brokenhearted, relationships, and our land.

Lord, protect those that are in harm’s way who are trying to help those in need.

We love you lord and thank you for all you do, giving you all the praise and glory!

In Jesus name, we pray

Amen

 

 

2 thoughts on “No Place for Arrogance

  1. Good words, Pop. Seriously. So true. We can’t call ourselves Christian if we speak and behave arrogantly. How can you share the gospel with a know-it-all attitude when Jesus preached humility. Your delivery will contradict God’s message. How much better it is to stumble around looking for the right words at times when sharing the gospel and show your humanity and how deeply you want to be Biblically correct in answering questions. and show that you don’t have it all perfectly together and memorized. How much better to be the poor, contrite sinner praying and sobbing, probably not knowing all the “right words” to ask for forgiveness but definitely having the right attitude than to be the pharisee all puffed up in his own righteousness. We know who’s prayer pleased God. God’s the only one with the “right” to be arrogant and he chooses not to be. Who are we not to do likewise. Again, good words. Keep it up 🙂

    1. Thank you for your comment Shiloh,
      If we would only obey this scripture;(2 Chronicles 7:14) the world could change in an instant. Dusty

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *