06/20/2019
God’s grace is such a precious thing when it flows into us through Christ, but even in humbly receiving this unearned gift we can sometimes be tempted into taking pride in it. Just when we feel the closest to righteousness we are tempted most by what might initially seem like a minor discomfort, or a subtle thought, yet soon is a painful sore rubbed raw by baseless pride, our sin.
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."”
James 4:6 ESV
Pride is a sly sin that creeps in when we least expect it, and in its hand is hidden a tiny dagger; an instrument by which it plans to murder our humility. God gives us His grace through Jesus Christ, but if we are not careful we can become proud of even this amazing gift which we couldn’t possibly have earned.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
Yet, we hear the temptation of Satan as it seeks to turn this gift that was received in humility into a pride in our faith. We forget where we were the day before we met Jesus, and harshly judge others who still remain there. We feel, and act, like we are better than they are, but in truth... “there but by the grace of God go we.”
Paul’s conversion is just such an example. He awoke on the morning he met Jesus with a burning desire to persecute Christians, to seek them out and put them to death, but as he approached the time of his midday prayer he was knocked down, and Jesus spoke directly to him, and blinded him to the world. Within a short time, and by no work of his own, the grace that flowed from Jesus saved him, and changed his life. He was humbled, and turned to a faith in Christ. He was also meant to save those who he once represented in his quest against Christians.
“But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”
Acts 9:15 ESV
Paul did not turn against those who were like him before he was saved, or by feeling they were less than he; on the contrary, he sought to lead them to salvation by humbly presenting the gospel to them.
“But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.”
Acts 9:22 ESV
We exhibit pride in many ways, but pride in our faith can lead us away from where we were knocked down, and Jesus first spoke to us, placing us in opposition to God. Pride leads us to judge others, sometimes in bold ways, but quite often by simply making us feel more righteous than a brother or sister in Christ. A pastor wears robes and stands before the congregation, but that is his calling... not because his faith is of greater value than those who sit and listen to him, but because he is of humble spirit, obedient, and equipped by God for this effort. If He begins to become prideful in it then he too places himself in opposition to God... then, despite the words from his mouth, his heart has to strayed, and his soul is in danger of being lost.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Philippians 2:3 ESV
So if this can happen to those we consider devout men of God, how are you doing? Do you humbly place yourself on the cross in an effort to bring others to a deeper faith, or do you give in to pride, and stand in judgement of those who sin as you once did... as you still do? Do you lord your faith over others? Jesus made Himself less so that we might be more. He was tempted and resisted... how are you faring? How are you facing the temptation of pride in your faith? Has it become a source of pride to you? If so you have lost the very thing in which you have sought to take pride in. This is a conundrum of faith as it confronts the temptation of pride... a subtle longing for even the most humble in Christ.
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
Romans 12:3 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your grace which we have received through your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you Holy Father for the humble nature we are led by, and the heart we have for those still trapped in sin, and an unrepentant life. Teach us Father to reach out by example, and the Word, as we do your bidding in the camp of the sinners; leading others to Christ... even in the midst of our unworthiness. Help us Merciful Father to not become haughty, or self-centered in our faith, but to present you as Jesus. did... in strength, and humility. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son to redeem us... even as we were yet sinners. Praised be your name as we lift it up from bended knee, and glorious are you who stooped down to save us. We worship you Holy Father, and seek to humbly obey you without pride, or assuming your judgement of others. Keep your hand upon us, for without you we are nothing, and our souls are lost forevermore.
Rich Forbes