Have you noticed a preponderance of pride being exuded these days? Be aware of the proud and arrogant heart!
People in powerful positions can easily come to the conclusion that they hold the answers to much they sense is wrong in the world.
Some write about it. Others take it a step or two further and actually promote their arrogance through their powerful positions in industry, government and media.
The Book of Proverbs was penned by King Solomon approximately 3,000 years ago. There’s much wisdom found within those original scrolls dealing with this subject.
Through the years, I’ve observed many who have succumbed to the sinful ways of a proud and arrogant heart.
Recently, I observed a Christian brother go through a tremendous trial and I surmise that trial was the consequence of his proud and arrogant heart.
Don’t get me wrong, this local businessman is a good person loved by many around him. He simply succumbed to the pattern of this wicked world.
What I observed some months back was an overconfident attitude that he verbally displayed in front of other Christian brothers. He unwittingly spoke proudly of his accomplishments.
Not long after that proclamation, he was struck with an affliction that has made him quite dependent on others.
And, I sense he is aware that his Lord has taken him out to the proverbial woodshed to discipline him.
After a season, I suspect God will restore him, as He did Job, and he will become a much more humble servant moving forward.
Of course, this is all speculation on my part, but I do know from personal experience as my Lord has dealt with me in the past to purify my own heart for His purpose and glory.
God first worked on my heart a few weeks before Christmas in 1992. Four days in Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital recovering from double pneumonia dramatically changed my perspective of the Christian life!
What He did in my life back then was diminish the spirit of self and replenish my heart with the Spirit of God.
Sadly, it’s quite easy to become immersed in this world, even as Christ followers, and allow self-awareness to take the place of Christ-awareness.
Let me share the salient words of the Apostle John written nearly 60 years after Jesus departed this planet for His heavenly throne. In 1 John 2:15-16 we read:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world — the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does — comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Early on, I mentioned the many in powerful positions who are obsessed with proud and arrogant hearts.
For a season, it appears they will create dissension and division, but their time is short-lived in God’s eyes.
Their desire is to discourage those who obediently follow the Truth found in God’s Word, but they will be handily defeated.
Let me end with these words of encouragement found in 1 John 2:17:
“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
Allow the Lord to fill you with His Holy Spirit as He miraculously removes the spirit of self!