Pride is the downfall of our faith. So many spiritual battles could be won if we learned to swallow our pride and let humility take its place. The following is a list I compiled of what pride can lead to if left alone in our lives. Pride leads to…
Self-Sufficiency
Pride often leads us to rely on our own strength and understanding rather than seeking guidance from God. This self-sufficiency can create a barrier to faith, as it undermines belief in the need for support from our Father. Pride leads to…
Arrogance
When pride takes over, it can lead to arrogance, causing us to dismiss the teachings and wisdom of others, including spiritual leaders. This can create a disconnect from church and those we are called to follow. Pride can lead to…
Spiritual Blindness
Pride can blind us to our own flaws and shortcomings. This lack of self-awareness can hinder personal growth and the ability to seek forgiveness, which are essential components of faith. Pride can keep us from handling…
Conflict with Humility
God’s Word emphasizes the importance of humility. Pride stands in direct opposition to this virtue, making it difficult for us to embody the values that our God desires. Pride can lead to…
Isolation
Pride can lead to isolation from others, as it fosters a sense of superiority. This isolation can prevent us from engaging in worship and support, which is vital for reinforcing faith. Pride will cause…
Resistance to Change
Pride can make us resistant to the transformative aspects of faith, such as repentance and growth. This stagnation can lead to a crisis of faith, where we feel disconnected from our belief in God.
In essence, pride can create barriers that prevent us from fully engaging our faith, leading to a weakened spiritual relationship with God and those in His family.
The Bible clearly says:
Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
James 4:6, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Matthew 23:12, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Galatians 6:3, “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
It is not a stretch to assume that you may be struggling to submit in the areas of life that God has asked of you. Let go of your pride, and faith will take its place.
The geopolitical landscape under Hezekiah, King of Judah, saw an increase in the threat from Babylon while Assyria’s influence declined. Hezekiah’s political interests and personal ambitions were intertwined to solidify his kingdom amidst evolving circumstances. When he recovered from a severe illness, envoys from Babylon, a rising power seeking to weaken Assyria, visited him. Overwhelmed with relief and eager to impress his potential new allies, Hezekiah made a critical error.
The scripture recounts in 2 Kings 20.13, “Hezekiah listened to them, and showed them all his treasure house, the silver and the gold and the spices and the precious oil and the house of his armor and all that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his house nor in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them.” (NASB95) This act of pride had serious future consequences, as the prophet Isaiah sharply points out in Isaiah 39.4 by questioning Hezekiah, resulting in a prophecy of doom for his lineage and nation.
This passage emphasizes the importance of being careful with what we disclose. It encourages us to consider the consequences of our actions, which can affect not only our own but also the fate of the community.
The Dangers of Pride and Showing Off
Hezekiah intended to gain political favor by displaying his kingdom’s wealth, but he also revealed a more profound spiritual issue that the Scriptures emphasize: the danger of pride. The Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12.16–21, in which a man obsessed with wealth plans to build larger barns to store his crops only to die the same night, reinforces this New Testament message. Like the rich fool, Hezekiah’s pride in his treasures arose from prioritizing material security over spiritual faithfulness.
When displaying our possessions, achievements, or abilities, we must consider whether they serve a greater purpose or feed our ego. Self-reflection is critical to avoiding arrogance and conceit.
Wisdom in Confidentiality
Hezekiah’s strategic error stemmed not only from his pride but also from his failure to anticipate the consequences of his disclosures. Jesus advised such individuals not to “give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7.6 NASB95) Protecting valuable things, whether spiritual beliefs or important assets, is essential.
The principle of caution prompts us to be careful when sharing information. Sometimes, it is preferable to keep things private to protect ourselves and our communities from potential harm. This wisdom, rooted in scripture, encourages us to consider the possible impact on the larger community before sharing information.
Consequences Extend Beyond the Individual
Isaiah’s prophecy reveals a fundamental biblical truth: our actions have a long-term impact on our descendants and community. The exile of Judah’s elite to Babylon, which Isaiah predicted, exemplifies how Hezekiah’s decisions had severe and long-term consequences. This interconnectedness of fate resonates with Paul’s assertion in 1 Corinthians 12.26, “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (NASB95)
Acting community-mindedly requires us to consider how our decisions affect others.
Hezekiah’s encounter with the Babylonian envoys underscores the significance of humility, discretion, and foresight in our social dealings. As we navigate life’s complexities, it is critical that we embody these virtues and only show others what honors God and promotes communal well-being. It is imperative to heed Hezekiah’s missteps and aim to make choices that glorify God and enrich future generations. Integrating foresight and wisdom into our daily choices empowers us to enhance our lives and contribute to a brighter world.
“The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3.34 LXX).
The rise and fall of King Saul is worthy of any Shakespearean drama. When God chose Saul as King of Israel, he attempted to hide from the people (1 Samuel 10.22). For his part, Saul looked the part, standing head and shoulders taller than everyone else (v.23). The people believed he was the right person to rule over them and shouted, “Long live the king” (v.24). However, Bible readers are already familiar with the entire story. The longer Saul reigns, the prouder he becomes.
In 1 Samuel 15.1-3, Saul failed to carry out God’s vengeance on the Amalekites. He made a weak excuse for his failure (vv. 15, 20–21) and was proud of his actions, building a monument to remember them (v. 12). When Samuel arrived, Saul was unaware of God’s anger. Saul greeted Samuel warmly, boasting of his obedience in carrying out God’s commands (v. 13). Samuel not only rejected Saul’s excuse but also asked him to recall a time when he had been humble (v. 17). God chose Saul as king while he was still humble.
Saul’s failure to “hack Agag to pieces” (as described in 1 Samuel 15:33 ESV) was just one of many examples of his arrogance. Further reading of 1 Samuel reveals more instances where Saul’s pride caused him to make poor decisions. By examining these examples, we can learn an important lesson about the importance of humility.
In 1 Samuel 13.8–14, Saul made an unauthorized sacrifice, a duty nearly exclusively assigned to priests but also permitted for some prophets, such as Samuel and Elijah. Saul took this action because Samuel took longer than expected to arrive in Gilgal, and he was concerned about his men scattering. He wanted to demonstrate his dominance or power. However, Samuel chastised Saul for this act, claiming that his kingdom would not last because of it. This incident could be interpreted as an early indication of Saul’s pride, as he overstepped his authority and assumed a priestly role.
In 1 Samuel 14:24–46, Saul makes a hasty vow prohibiting his soldiers from eating. Even when it puts the battle at risk and endangers the life of his son Jonathan, who unknowingly ate some honey, Saul refuses to admit his mistake. Jonathan criticizes the vow, arguing that the army would have been better off eating from their enemies’ spoils. However, Saul puts his command above his troops’ safety and the situation’s practical needs. The people must intervene to save Jonathan from execution, and this episode demonstrates Saul’s flawed leadership and decision-making. He prioritizes his pride and desire for authority over the welfare of his people, resulting in decisions that lack wisdom and compassion.
We see Saul’s angry reaction to a song about David’s victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 18:6–9. The song says, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” As a result, Saul becomes very angry and envious. He says, “They ascribed ten thousand to David, but thousands to me. What else can he have besides the kingdom?” Due to his jealousy, Saul keeps a close eye on David and makes several attempts on his life. He pursues him relentlessly, as he cannot bear the thought of someone else receiving more praise and admiration than him.
In 1 Samuel 20.30–34, when Saul confronted Jonathan, his jealousy, rage, and fear of losing his kingship to David were evident. However, his pride also played a significant role in his actions. Saul’s reaction to Jonathan’s defense of David revealed the extent of his pride, paranoia, and violent desire to rule. He insulted Jonathan and even tried to kill him with a spear for supporting David, whom he saw as a threat to his throne. Saul’s pride and ego were so intertwined with his kingship that any challenge to his rule or authority provoked a drastic and irrational response. To Saul, Jonathan’s loyalty to David was a direct challenge to his kingship.
Saul’s behavior reveals his unwillingness to accept Samuel’s prophecy that David will replace him as king and his kingdom will end. His pride prevents him from considering the situation from a divine or practical perspective, causing him to focus only on his desires and fears. Saul’s pride is more than just arrogance; it is a harmful combination of fear, authority, and a refusal to acknowledge his mistakes or comprehend that his actions may cost him God’s favor and reign. Therefore, Saul’s clash with Jonathan illustrates how his pride and desire to retain power at any cost have damaged his character and leadership abilities.
In the book of 1 Samuel chapter 28, we read about Saul’s visit to the witch of Endor. Saul found himself in a desperate situation as he confronted the Philistine army. Despite his efforts, God did not respond to Saul’s prayers through dreams, prophets, or the Urim and Thummim. As a result, Saul turned to an Endor medium to summon the spirit of Samuel, who had died. This act of seeking the aid of a medium contradicted God’s commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 18.10–12. This move demonstrates Saul’s departure from reliance on God, possibly motivated by a prideful belief in his ability to control his destiny through any means available, even if forbidden.
Saul’s tragedy is a powerful warning about the corrupting influence of pride. Initially, he reigned with humility and submission to God, but his behavior degenerated into arrogance, defiance, and self-destructive actions. Saul’s elevation to kingship fed his ego, leading to impulsive decisions that separated him from God’s favor and ultimately caused him to lose his kingdom. His story highlights the significance of remaining humble, wise, and reliant on God’s guidance, even when in positions of power and authority. Pride can lead to ruin, but cultivating a humble heart enables us to make decisions that honor God and benefit those around us. Saul’s life reminds us that uncontrolled pride precedes the fall.
From 1 Samuel 15.12–28, we observe the following. After erecting a monument to himself at Carmel, Saul met Samuel at Gilgal. Saul greeted Samuel and proclaimed he had done as God commanded. Given Saul was supposed to destroy the Amalekites, Samuel questioned why he could hear the bleating of sheep and the lowing of oxen. Saul justified his actions, stating that only the best livestock were spared for sacrifices while he had destroyed the rest.
Saul faced a stern rebuke from Samuel, who reminded him of his humble origins and God’s directive to annihilate the Amalekites. Samuel emphasized Saul’s disobedience in seizing the spoils, a direct violation of God’s command. Saul defended himself, insisting that he had obeyed God and completed his mission, shifting the blame onto the people for preserving the best livestock for sacrifices.
In response, Samuel delivered a profound message, declaring that obedience to God’s instructions outweighs the value of sacrifices. Saul’s insubordination and rebellion were exposed and equated with divination, a grave sin. Samuel announced that since Saul had rejected God’s word, God had reciprocated by rejecting Saul’s kingship.
Saul confessed his transgression and pleaded for mercy, admitting that he succumbed to public pressure out of fear. He begged Samuel for forgiveness and expressed his desire to worship God. However, in his refusal, Samuel asserted that because Saul had dismissed God’s word, God had rescinded Saul’s kingship. As Samuel left, Saul desperately grabbed at his robe, tearing it. According to Samuel, this symbolized God stripping Saul of his kingship in favor of a more deserving ruler.
The narrative of King Saul, serving as a potent cautionary tale about pride and disobedience, hinges on two pivotal events in the books of Samuel. Samuel credits Saul’s humble beginnings with his initial rise to kingship (v. 17). 1 Samuel 15.17–19 records Samuel’s critical observations, hinting at a drastic character shift with grave repercussions. Samuel’s inquiries into Saul’s behavior, which underscore his failure to carry out God’s command to exterminate the Amalekites, highlight a drastic deviation from obedience and the principles that initially defined his character.
In 1 Samuel 13.8–14, we encounter the first instance reflecting Saul’s shifting attitude. In haste, he performs the sacrifice, a task designated for priests. This incident glaringly showcases Saul’s audacious belief that he could usurp responsibilities not assigned to him and his flagrant disregard for God’s laws and timing. This choice sets a precedent for Saul’s subsequent disobedience, eventually losing his kingship and favor with God.
The second occurrence in 1 Samuel 15 provides deeper insight into Saul’s transformation. Saul brazenly disregards God’s command, sparing King Agag and the choicest livestock. His rationale that He intends to use the animals for sacrifice underscores his presumption that his judgment surpasses God’s. This act of rebellion exhibits Saul’s tendency to place his will before God’s and to rationalize his wrongdoings. These actions further strain his already deteriorating relationship with God.In conclusion, the story of King Saul serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of misusing power. While Saul’s story begins with him as a reluctant leader who exhibits humility, his rise to power ultimately results in his fall. The Bible does not inherently vilify power, but its misuse, as manifested in Saul’s arrogance and disobedience, is sternly critiqued. His downfall offers a stark lesson in humility, obedience, and the responsible use of power, contrasting his actions with those of subsequent faithful kings. The story’s moral underscores the need for humility, obedience, and respect for the law, regardless of one’s position of power. It teaches that no one should consider themselves above God’s laws that He has entrusted them to uphold.
Being full of self seems easy, doesn’t it? So many seem to excel at it and so many of us constantly fight self-centered tendencies. Yet, the apostle Paul connects selfishness to difficult times. In fact, he says, “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self…” (2 Tim. 3:1-2). Our times can be aptly described as difficult. And what Paul warns about seems to characterize what we see every day.
Have you looked at the entirety of that list in chapter three lately? While there are extreme behaviors on that list, like “brutal” (savage) and “treacherous,” most of them seem very familiar–like disobedient to parents, ungrateful, and malicious gossips. But what struck me was how many of the items in this list point to pride.
Men will be boastful (2). This word refers to one who “‘makes more of himself’ than the reality justifies, ‘ascribing to himself either more and better things than he has, or even what he does not possess at all’; who ‘promises what he cannot perform'” (TDNT, 226). This is building up our accomplishments or our characteristics in order to impress others. It’s a word only found twice in the New Testament, both in lists describing those who love themselves and have no place for God (see Rom. 1:20). Beware of letting others know how good, smart, capable, and otherwise impressive you are. That’s a sign of difficulty!
Men will be arrogant (2). This synonymous word refers to “an empty boaster who brags of his position and despises others” (Friberg and Miller, 390). It is found five times in the New Testament, most often translated “proud.” This is a person who not only lifts himself up, but feels the need to push others down at the same time. It is one jockeying for the figurative spot as king or queen of the mountain, shoving others off in the process. Trench says that the boastful one is restricted to showing this sin in the company of others, but “He that is sick of this sin (arrogance, NP) compares himself, it may be secretly or openly, with others, and lifts himself above others, in honour preferring himself” (Synonyms, 101). His perfect example of this? Haman (Est. 3:5-6). With arrogance, I must look good and I must make you look bad at the same time.
Men will be conceited (4). This word is only found in the New Testament letters of Paul to Timothy (also in 1 Tim. 3:6; 6:4). It is an interesting word, meaning “to wrap up in smoke” or “to be in the clouds, to be crazed, demented” (Liddell and Scott, 825). What a mental picture! Strong says it means “to inflate with self-conceit:–high-minded, be lifted up with pride, be proud” (73). It means “to swell or inflate with pride” (Zodhiates, np). It’s all smoke and no flame. It’s a deluded sense of self, thinking we are greater and better than we are.
Obviously, what’s really difficult is weeding out these self-centered tendencies from our hearts and lives. These warnings exist because they are common struggles. When we don’t fight these tendencies, we make life difficult for others and make it difficult for ourselves to be right with God or ready to meet Him. We must do the difficult and daily deed of putting self-will to death (1 Pet. 2:24; Luke 9:23-26)! It’s difficult, but it’s doable!
Some people’s sin struggles are evident. If they wrestle with foul language or lying, you can hear it. If they wrestle with immodesty or drunkenness, you can see it. Some spiritual weaknesses, though, are insidiously difficult to see–especially in ourselves. In Luke 9:46-56, in events that follow each other in very short order, the disciples’ struggle with pride is exposed by Jesus. We can understand why they struggled with pride. They were walking with the Messiah! He was training them for a special mission. Now, the only matter for them to settle was how they ranked among each other. Jesus exposes that very mindset in these verses.
PRIDE SEEKS PREEMINENCE (46-48). The disciples argue among themselves about who might be the greatest. Not only is this childish, but it reflects their short memory. They just displayed a deficiency of faith that prevented them from casting out the unclean spirit. Perhaps Peter, James, and John, given privy to the transfiguration, might have felt that if they had been among these other disciples they would have been able to cast it out. We don’t know. All we know is that Jesus rebukes the very idea of the arguing by placing a child in their midst. Children were barely noticed among first-century adults, but Jesus makes paying attention to and ministering to the least of people the mark of greatness. Discipleship is not about glory and visibility. It’s about having our eyes open to the humble and our hearts open to serving them.
PRIDE SHOWS PREJUDICE (49-50). While some have tried to use these verses to say that there are saved Christians in religious groups outside of the New Testament church, they totally misunderstand Jesus’ point (not to mention, miss the teaching of a great many passages). What was John’s bone of contention? There was a disciple of Jesus who was doing works in His name (acting by His authority; recognizing His identity). They tried to prevent him “because he does not follow along with us” (49). They concluded this person couldn’t be acceptable because he wasn’t accompanying them. Jesus knows this man is on His side, but the disciples’ needed to hear this: “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you” (50). This territorial mentality can creep into our thinking. We should hold hands with all those who are on the Lord’s side, doing the Lord’s work. This is true if it regards the good works of others in the local congregation or if it is area congregations.
PRIDE SEEKS PUNISHMENT (51-56). Pride shows itself in a very different way shortly after this. Jesus sends some followers on a mission, but they were rejected. James and John’s solution was to exact vengeance on them. They were anxious to call down fire from heaven and consume them. Whatever they expected as Jesus’ reaction, they had to be surprised at His rebuke. He corrects their thinking, saying that He came to this earth to save rather than destroy men’s lives. Jesus’ solution was simply to move on to more receptive hearts (56). Sometimes our impatience with others or disappointment in their displays of unbelief can make us trigger happy. Whether we are indignant on the Lord’s behalf or we feel personally slighted, we need to remember the patient, charitable response Jesus makes to those who, in the moment, refused to receive Him. That patience and kindness may or may not ultimately reach their hearts, but it is the best route to success in trying to both be a disciple and win disciples for Jesus.
Do a Bible search and see what God says about pride. It’s at the top of the list in those deadly sins of Proverbs 6:16-19, things God says He hates! Both Testaments say that it leads to our downfall (Prov. 3:34; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). So often, we see it as a struggle for those who are already in the body of Christ. I must constantly watch for this self-centered behavior, keeping my focus on other disciples, the lost, the less fortunate and weak, and especially the Lord. Let me remember that it’s all about Him and them, and say with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Solomon cautioned, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16.18 NASB1995). I am sure we can think of many examples of this truth we have witnessed in our own lives. However, one that comes to my geeky mind is the downfall of Atari.
Atari was the video gaming console every child had to have from the late 1970s into the early 1980s. But then came along a glitchy game that nearly killed the video gaming console industry: “E.T. The Extraterrestrial.” Of course, we know of the movie by the same name. The film was a commercial success. “E.T.’s” director, Stephen Spielberg, wanted to capitalize on his movie’s success with a video game based on the titular character.
In addition, Spielberg wanted Atari to have the game ready for the Christmas season. Unfortunately, that timeframe only gave the developer requested by Spielberg about five months to complete the game. Spielberg’s request was not without precedent. The developer had previously worked on another game adapted from a Spielberg movie (Raiders of the Lost Ark). Nevertheless, the developer flying high atop Atari’s past success assured Spielberg that he could develop the game quickly.
The game did sell well, at first. But then the reviews came back from players. The game was confusing, tedious, and E.T. would routinely get stuck in a hole from which he could not extricate himself. Therefore, a quarter-million users returned the game to Atari, and Atari was stuck with over two million units that they could not move. This failure created a meltdown resulting in the breakup of Atari. Atari had lost over 500 million dollars. If not for the arrival of Nintendo’s video game console in the mid-1980s, introducing us to the lovable Italian plumber, Mario, one wonders if the gaming industry would be a billion-dollar industry today.
It may be that we can boast of many successes in life. Paul certainly could. Paul called himself a “Hebrew of Hebrews” (Philippians 3.4-6). Yet, Paul said he counted all his gains as loss, even rubbish, for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3.7-8). If you keep reading Philippians 3, you’ll note that Paul admits that he had not arrived at his destination but pressed onward so he could attain his eternal prize (Philippians 3.12-14). Paul then exhorts us to have a similar mindset (Philippians 3.15-16).
Yes, pride causes us to become blind to things like temptation. We become so full of ourselves that we have no room for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The Hebrews’ writer warns us about how easy it is to drift away (Hebrews 2.1-3). Therefore, we must be vigilant to watch our location relative to the Gospel. Paul writes: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Corinthians 10.12 NASB1995).
As we turn our attention back to Atari, we note that it was, at least, partly resurrected. It reported earnings of about 21 million in the fiscal year 2018. But what is 21 million compared to the half a billion dollars they lost in the early 1980s? Moreover, in the early twenty-teens, Atari filed for bankruptcy. Thus, Atari demonstrates that you cannot always get back on your feet after you stumble.
Fortunately, as Christians, we are showered by the riches of God’s grace (cf. Ephesians 1.7-8). Thus, if we will but “walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1.7 NASB1995). So, watch your feet and remember that pride goes before destruction.
The word frequently translated “opposed” and “resist” is a compound word that means to “arrange against” (Zodhiates, np).It was a military term describing “to set an army in array against, to arrange in battle order” (ibid.). Louw-Nida tell us it means, “to oppose someone, involving not only a psychological attitude but also a corresponding behavior” (491). This word is found in some form five times in the New Testament. Three of the occurrences refer to a person resisting another person, when the Jews in the synagogue of Corinth “resisted” Paul’s teaching about Christ (Acts 18:6), when people resist governing authorities (Rom. 13:2), and when the poor man did not resist his rich oppressor (Jas. 5:6). The other two occurrences both quote the same Old Testament passage, Proverbs 3:34, which speaks of God opposing and resisting a man. What man? Peter and James quote the proverb, writing, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5).
Perhaps you have made someone powerful your enemy–the principal at school, the boss at work, or someone else who had the power to make your life unpleasant. If you have, you know how difficult it is to thrive and succeed under such circumstances. But the Bible says it is possible to make God opposed and resistant to you. That’s unparalleled unpleasantness! Thankfully, God tells us what triggers such a response in the omnipotent God.
These two inspired writers could have written that murder, adultery, lust, lying, stealing, greed, or hatred draws His active opposition, but both single out “pride.” It goes with insolence and boastfulness in Romans 1:30, arrogance in 2 Timothy 3:2, and blasphemy and folly in Mark 7:22. Each of those passages reveals a dangerous state of mind that comes from turning away from God.
Arrogance keeps us from admitting wrong, makes us have an inflated sense of self and a lowered view of others, leads to a feeling of self-importance, and is at the heart a self-centered point of view. All of that will damage earthly relationships, friendships, marriages, with fellow church members, and those we deal with on the job and at school. But, even beyond those negative repercussions, sinful pride makes God an enemy! Think about that. When we allow pride to take root in our lives, God arranges Himself against us. Imaging God in battle order against me conjures an image of the most uneven fight possible. Pride may cause misery and damage in my relationship with others, but more than even that it effects my relationship with Him!
The antidote is the same in both Peter’s and James’ writing–“humility.” Not pretentious, but modest and obedient to His will. It’s being lowly in heart, able to see and admit wrong and guilt, having a fair and realistic view of self that acknowledges when we are wrong. Is it easy? No! Is it fun? Not at all. But, when we actively work at being humble and eradicating pride, God will fight for us and not against us. I get to decide which way I want it!
It is our custom for the elders to give the parents of our newborns a Bible. No wonder God uses children to illustrate humility! Here is just the latest couple of presentations, with several more to come in ’21!
A politically conservative thought leader died on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Not even an hour had elapsed from when the news was broken on his ground-breaking radio show by his widow that some of the most hateful comments began appearing on social media. As one who listened to his show periodically, I can attest that I never heard him utter any of the types of hateful speech of which Wikipedia readers and contributors accused him. Most of those hating him did so because of his powerful influence against their political ideology.
The political Left viewed him as a Svengali that would brainwash millions if allowed to remain on the radio. Thus, rather than defeat him in the arena of ideas, they chose to slander him. The fascist propagandist Goebbels once said, “Repeat a lie often enough, and it becomes the truth.” Those who never listened to him genuinely believe he was an ugly, divisive person. Thus, the deceased will have a mixed legacy depending upon whether someone took the time to listen to what he said. He will either be one to whom people said, “ditto,” or, as the Huffington Post put it, the “Bigoted King Of Talk Radio.”
Now, the purpose of this post has nothing to do with politics or even the deceased. It has to do with the visceral reaction created by the news of the radio talker’s passing. As one who tends to soak up the room’s emotional atmosphere, I found myself negatively impacted by the unadulterated hatred. I was disappointed yet again by my fellowman. However, it was also a moment of introspection. Do I understand that God created this person in His image, just like me? (Genesis 1.26-27) If so, even if I vehemently disagreed with him, should I find even a modicum of the rationale necessary to express glee?
Paul wrote that we must all appear before Christ’s judgment seat. And after stating this truth, Paul immediately added, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Corinthians 5.10-11a). Of what do we persuade men? We convince them to accept the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. We recall Jesus’ final marching orders to us to take the Gospel to every nation and creature (Matthew 28.19-20; Mark 16.15-16). We know our time on earth is short (Psalm 90.10 & 12; James 4.14). Time is being allowed to continue to give men everywhere an opportunity to repent (2 Peter 3.8-10). Once God’s longsuffering has ended, nothing remains for the disobedient other than flaming fire and vengeance (2 Thessalonians 1.6-12).
We would all do well to recall the words of Solomon in Proverbs 24.17-18: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them” (NIV). Yes, God is aware of the feelings of our hearts. We must give an accounting of ourselves to Him. How terrible it would be if He found in our heart love only for those with whom we felt comfortable associating. John reminds us that our love must extend to our brother if we love God. Otherwise, we are a liar (1 John 4.20). Let us allow love to replace hatred, the Gospel’s utterance to replace vitriolic expressions, and a prayer for our enemy’s salvation supersede our schadenfreude at his downfall.
The shortest book of the Old Testament is dedicated to revealing the coming punishment of a nation which descended from Esau. Edom, also called Teman (for Esau’s grandson, Gen. 36:15),faced “the day of the Lord” (a frequent Old Testament term meaning coming, divine punishment) along with all the nations. Well over a thousand years after Esau lived, his descendants betrayed God’s people, Judah, by helping the Babylonians loot Jerusalem during the time of the captivity and exile. God took notice and the book of Obadiah is proof that He planned to take action.
While that is the background of Obadiah, it’s the way that Edom saw itself that has been imitated by many nations in subsequent times. One of the consequences of forgetting and denying God is that the most frequent substitute put on the throne of one’s heart is self. How sweet to embrace the thought that “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psa. 33:12). What a contrast to the frequent lamentation in Scripture about nations who forget God (Psa. 106:21; Deu. 32:18; Jud. 3:7; Jer. 3:21; etc.).
Is it possible for people today to imitate the mindset of the Edomites? If so, how does God feel about that? How will He respond to that? It seems that at the heart of this book, we find:
THE SOURCE OF THEIR SECURITY (3-9)
Obadiah says they are arrogant and put their trust in their hiding places and their lofty places. They thought they had built a pretty impregnable defense and impenetrable destiny. This earth and world provide no such guarantees. Jesus would call this building upon the sand (Mat. 7:26-27). What do I place my confidence in? The stock market? Material prosperity? Military might? Higher education? Recreation? Retirement? None of these things are inherently wrong, but they make poor foundations for our lives.
THEIR SIN (10-14)
It appears that the three overarching problems God has with Edom is that they did nothing when their brother (the nation of Judah) was in need (10-11), they rejoiced over their brother’s misfortune (12), and they even participated in his suffering (13-14). When we list out the “worst sins” mankind commits, where do we place apathy? God puts it at the top of His list here. Sometimes we call them “sins of omission.” Edmund Burke wrote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” On Judgment Day, the Lord will place on His left hand those who saw the needs of others and didn’t meet them (Mat. 25:31-46). Obadiah depicts three stages of one spiritual cancer: indifference, gloating, and collusion. John’s sobering words are appropriate here, as he asks, “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). How helpful to see our brothers–those through Christ or Adam–as God sees them.
THEIR SENTENCE (15-20)
Nine times in five verses (10-14), Obadiah refers to “the day” God visited Judah for her sins. It was the day of their disaster, distress, destruction, and misfortune. Because of Edom’s sinful response described above, God had a day set aside for them, too. They would reap what they sowed (15-16). They would suffer (18). They would lose it all (17,19-20). The future looked bright for God’s faithful remnant (17-21), but not for those who had built their lives upon the sand.
This book has application for our world, our country, for the church, and for each of us as individuals. Frequently, life will come along and shake our confidence. How we do on the other side of that distress depends on our foundation. That is a prayerful process. We can be fire or stubble (18). May we find the strength ascend Mount Zion and the kingdom (21; Heb. 12:22-29).
Civil war has broken out in the kingdom after Saul’s death. David is a patriot who loves his people so he offers to treat Saul’s followers well after Judah crowns him as king. However, a man named, Abner, takes matters into his own hands and he defies God’s chosen king. He sets up Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, as their new ruler instead. Abner, who was the general of Saul’s army, along with the servants of Ish-bosheth, make their way to the pool of Gibeon. This was a large pool carved out of rock by Saul’s father. Once they arrive they sit down. On the opposite side of the pool, Joab, David’s nephew, and his servants meet them and sit as well. Behind them, two armies stand in formation, ready for war— brother against brother. Abner, perhaps to prevent the death toll that a larger battle would bring, suggests that their servants fight for them. Joab agrees, but this idea quickly leads to a slaughter. Each servant grabs the other by the head, clinching hair in a tight fist, and cuts each other down simultaneously. This short altercation doesn’t provide a victor, so both armies charge each other. It’s a battle that is fought with so much passion, but God grants David’s army with the win. I imagine the Man After God’s Own Heart did not take joy in this victory. The chaos of war has already taken so much from him, including the life of his best friend, Jonathan.
After the battle of Gibeon has ended, David’s nephew, Asahel, takes off after the fleeing Abner. Asahel was known for his speed and agility, with it being likened to that of a gazelle. This speed allowed him to pass the others that were also in pursuit and he finds himself on the heels of Abner in no time. His swiftness will bring him a swift death. While Abner is not as quick, he is older with more experience. Twice Abner asks Asahel to stop this foolish attempt to take his life, but Asahel doesn’t take this advice. This is when Abner thrusts his spear behind him and the butt end of the spear goes through Asahel’s stomach and out the other side, killing the young warrior.
This is probably an account you never heard in Vacation Bible School, but there is so much we can learn from this event found in 2 Samuel 2:12-24. We notice how deadly pride can be. First, there is the pride of Abner in rejecting David as king, and then there’s the pride of Asahel. He was famous for being quick on his feet, but clearly slow in thought. Preachers and teachers can become well known for their ability to speak and proclaim God’s word. This fame can also be their own spiritual downfall if they begin to think more of themselves than they should. When we post scriptures, baptisms, or other good deeds on social media for our own praise and admiration, God may be the only One that sees your heart. Those are the only eyes that matter since they belong to the One that will be our final Judge.
We also learn from this story that serving a dead king is futile. As Christians we serve the King of Kings, God’s anointed son. Those standing with Him will always win. Those that chose to take matters into their own hands are fighting a losing battle.
When we read about events like this in the Bible it should also make us thankful for the day when we will enjoy a place where there is no heartache, bloodshed, or wickedness. Even David had to endure his share of trials, but now he’s with the God he modeled his heart after— and, we can assume, Jonathan. No matter what struggle we may find ourselves tangled up in, let’s place our focus on that heavenly reunion.
Up high and proud my boasts I declare
I brag and I crow with my head in the air
Til I look in the corner and see him down there
Why is that poor sinner locked up in despair?
I abstain from eating two days every week
I give money too freely, Thy thanks I now seek.
Why is that man crying, the tears stain his cheek
He’s beating his chest, must be some kind of trick.
Lord, I’m not like the swindler, the philanderer, the cheat,
Or even like that tax collector with whose prayer I compete,
I’m walking out now, Lord, my preening’s complete,
But I’ll see You here next time my boasts to repeat
While scarcely detected a man whispered his plea
His face to the floor, if not on one knee
All the sinner could say was, “Be merciful to me!”
And he left more justified than the proud Pharisee.
(Luke 18:9-14)
I came across the term “selfism” in Dick Meyer’s 2008 book, Why We Hate Us: American Discontent in the New Millennium. He defines it as “American individualism redefined by the age of marketing, self-help, moral relativism, and the belief that the “self” is something that can be deliberately found or made” (36). He warns that “it is different than the older, can-do, self-made-man American spirit because it substitutes feeling for doing” (37). Later in the chapter, Meyer ties this hyper-emphasis on self to a growing belligerence in society. He writes, “On the Internet, belligerence can be anonymous, faceless, and hence risk-free. In schools and offices, for example, the Web is a problem, because parents and workers say nasty things in e-mail that they would never say in person. Chat rooms, blogs, and online comments are clogged with vitriol and hate-mongering…the need to make others wrong has turned into an addiction” (44). One of his points in the chapter is that the elevation of self is not just a problem of narcissism, but it has become commonplace to vaunt self by stepping on, insulting, and ridiculing others to do it. We are witnessing an ever-growing game of “King of the Mountain,” where in a rush to get noticed we are shoving off anyone who might eclipse or overshadow us.
Selfism is Satanic rather than sanctified behavior, but each of us must wrestle with it. The temptation to join them rather than “beat” them through Christlike humility is ever-present. What is “one-upmanship” if not an effort to present self as above another? In certain circles, the ability to respectfully and civilly discuss differences has been assassinated by hired killers like vanity, self-importance, animosity, and contempt.
Do we have a more difficult task than obeying Jesus’ command to deny self (cf. Mat. 16:24)? When Paul urges Philippi to eliminate selfish ambition and conceit while esteeming others as better than self (Phi. 2:3), do we appreciate the polar opposite this is to the cultural arch-hero of selfism? Jesus came into this world to show us the selfless life. It is scary to live that way, especially in a world full of adherents to the cult of self. We fear that being selfless with selfish people will lead to being walked over, preempted, or mistreated. What will help is developing the faith to trust that living the way God commands leads us to the best life possible. The best life possible is one where self is suppressed in deference to Christ and others. Such a life will be noticed as a beacon in our choppy seas of selfism!
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