Tag: arrogance

When Jude Quoted Books God Didn’t Write

Twenty-five verses. That’s all Jude needed to expose false teachers, rally believers, and deliver one of Scripture’s mightiest doxologies. Yet within this compact letter lie two startling citations—neither from Moses, the prophets, nor the Psalms, but from Jewish apocryphal writings. Why would an inspired writer quote uninspired sources?

Brent Pollard

Twenty-five verses. That’s all Jude needed to expose false teachers, rally believers, and deliver one of Scripture’s mightiest doxologies. Yet within this compact letter lie two startling citations—neither from Moses, the prophets, nor the Psalms, but from Jewish apocryphal writings. Why would an inspired writer quote uninspired sources?

The Arrogance That Mocks What It Cannot See

Jude writes his general epistle with a sense of urgency. False teachers have misused grace to justify immoral behavior and show disrespect for authority. By verse 8, their pride has become demonic, and they “speak evil of dignitaries,” which most likely refers to angelic beings. Jude does not intend to promote the worship of angels; instead, he warns against hubris. These false teachers behaved as if they had authority over realms they did not have, and that is the pride Jude exposes. Therefore, these men slander realities beyond their understanding.

To expose such folly, Jude reaches for an unlikely illustration.

When Even Angels Know Their Limits

Jewish tradition, preserved in the Assumption of Moses, tells of Michael the archangel disputing with Satan over Moses’ body. The devil claimed ownership—perhaps because Moses had killed an Egyptian, perhaps because Satan styled himself lord of the earth.

Michael’s response? He refused to pronounce judgment on his own authority. Though heaven’s chief warrior, he simply said, “The Lord rebuke you.”

Here is Jude’s blade: If Michael—commander of celestial armies—dared not revile even Satan, what business have mortals mocking spiritual powers they neither respect nor understand?

True strength bows before God’s sovereignty. Pride pretends to authority it does not possess.

The Prophet Who Saw Judgment Coming

Jude then quotes 1 Enoch, a Jewish apocalyptic text known to his audience:

“Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all who are ungodly of all their ungodly deeds.”

This inclusion is no blanket endorsement of Enoch’s book any more than Paul’s citations of pagan poets made them Scripture. Instead, the Spirit guided Jude to extract one true statement—a warning echoing throughout divine revelation—and press it into service for eternal purposes.

God can take a fragment of human tradition and forge it into revealed truth without sanctifying its source.

How Inspiration Actually Works

Jude’s method reveals three vital principles:

1. Authority lies in God’s selection, not the source’s pedigree.

The Spirit determines what enters Scripture. Truth remains truth wherever it appears, but only God’s breath makes it authoritative. Jude’s quotes became inspired not because of their origin, but because God chose them.

2. God meets people where they live.

Jude’s Jewish Christian readers knew these traditions. Using familiar examples, he illustrated the truth vividly. We do the same, quoting, say, Shakespeare or Einstein—not to canonize them, but to communicate clearly.

3. The message matters infinitely more than the medium.

Both stories serve one purpose: to contrast human arrogance with divine authority and to warn that God judges all rebellion.

Three Applications for Your Life Today

First, guard your tongue when speaking of spiritual realities.

If Michael, who stands before God’s throne, refused to speak presumptuously, how much more should we? Reverence isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. Before you dismiss spiritual truths or mock what you don’t understand, remember who you’re dealing with.

Second, rest in the certainty of God’s judgment.

False teachers may flourish now. Arrogance may strut across platforms. But Enoch’s prophecy stands: God will judge every ungodly deed. Your job isn’t to play God. It’s to trust Him.

Third, quote wisely, but verify everything.

You’ll find truth scattered across literature, philosophy, and even secular observation. Quote it when it serves God’s truth. But never confuse a helpful quote with Scripture’s authority. Test everything against the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21). All other lights are dim candles held up to Scripture’s blazing sun.

The Weight of a Short Letter

Don’t mistake brevity for shallowness. In twenty-five verses, Jude wields ancient tradition, angelic authority, and divine judgment to demolish pride and call the church back to truth.

Michael’s humility rebukes the arrogant. Enoch’s prophecy warns the rebellious. Together they sound Jude’s central note: “Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

In a world drowning in opinions, that call has never been more urgent.

God has spoken. The question is whether we’ll listen with the humility of angels or the arrogance of fools.

The difference is eternal.

Even when he quotes from outside Scripture, Jude points us back to Scripture’s heart—the unchanging authority of God and the sure destiny of all who defy it.

Don’t Be So Insecure!

Do you ever wrestle with insecurity? What can be done about it? Does the Bible offer practical help to overcome it?

Neal Pollard

Did it cause the Pharisees to “do all their deeds to be noticed by men” (Mat. 23:5)? It may have tempted Jeremiah to be afraid of the faces of those who he had to confront (Jer. 1:8, KJV). It certainly led Peter, Barnabas, and the rest of the Jews in Antioch to stop eating with the Gentiles, “afraid of criticism” (Gal. 2:12-13, NLT). The word “insecure” is not in the Bible, but the idea is there. 

Today, we are not immune to feelings of insecurity. While the cause may be physical appearance, financial status, social status, or the like, the effect very often is a temptation to compromise regarding what is right, conform to worldly behaviors, and cross biblical lines to have the acceptance of people. Do you remember how “many even of the rulers believed in [Jesus], but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God” (John 12:42-43)? Jesus warned against a mindset that sought to “receive glory from one another” instead of the glory that comes from God (John 5:44). 

No one likes to be on the outside looking in. We do not want others to look down on us. The feelings of vulnerability are those which everyone knows at least from time to time. How do we fight insecurity? Consider a few biblical tips:

  • Never forget that you are an image bearer of God (Gen. 1:27).
  • Remember how highly God thinks of you (Job 7:17; Psa. 8:4).
  • Put your focus on serving others and thinking of them (Phil. 2:3; Mark 10:45).
  • Make sure that you are not exclusive or snubbing with others (Rom. 15:7). 
  • Get your satisfaction and sense of identity most from your relationship with God (2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 5:10). 
  • Do not let the world define or be the measuring stick of success (1 John 2:15-17). 
  • Understand how fleeting and fickle the praise and acceptance of man is (Heb. 11:25-26). 
  • Remember that often the approval of man comes at the expense of God’s approval (Rom. 1:32; 2 Tim. 4:10). 

For our part, we should do what we can to make others feel appreciated, valued, and loved. Such an outward focus goes a long way to a sense of fulfillment and security. But, much of our insecurity will wane and fade the more we will concentrate on self-forgetfulness and sincere service! 

A Painful Reminder

Carl Pollard

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.

              1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (VII)

              Unity Through Instruction (4:14-21)

              Neal Pollard

              Unity is not instinctive, or else we would not have so much instruction about it in the Bible. Paul clarifies why he is and is not writing this letter to them. He says it is not to shame them, but rather to admonish them (14). Admonish means to provide instruction in order to correct a behavior or belief (to provide instruction as to correct behavior and belief (Louw-Nida 414). It also carries with it the idea of counseling against improper actions. That sounds pretty negative unless you see how Paul does it. He writes like a father (15) to his beloved children (14). I don’t know about you, but I can endure quite a bit of correction from someone who I am convinced is doing so out of genuine love and interest in my soul. 

              Paul was in a unique position among other voices of influence, in that he had actually been the one to teach many of them the gospel and help bring about their salvation (15). A “tudor” in New Testament times was more a person who led a student to and from school, who also supervised the student’s conduct (BDAG 748). Paul contrasts himself with that, and you can see a huge difference between someone hired to look over your shoulder as opposed to a loving parent who had a vested interest in your success.

              Paul’s interest in their spiritual success is further proven by the measures he takes to see to it these Christians were reminded of what he taught them. First, Paul sends one whom he has taught and trained (Acts 16:1ff) and who actually worked with Paul among them at the beginning of the church’s existence (Acts 18:5ff). Timothy was going to do follow up study with them to help remind them of the apostle’s inspired instruction (17). For Christians to have their best shot at success, they will need to hear the same subjects from “the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27) on many occasions. 

              Peter will write to another audience and say, “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you” (2 Pet. 1:12). He goes on to say “I am writing to you” for the purpose of “stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder” (2 Pet. 3:1). Why preach and teach about worship, gender roles, sexual morality, baptism, marriage, self-control, attitude, evangelism, and the like year after year? Simply because we forget, new Christians are added to the kingdom, young people come of age and need to learn what we already know, and external pressures and rival teaching can tempt us to abandon the truth. Paul, knowing this, was ready to personally and through other teachers make this effort to help Corinth, like Colosse, “continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not move away from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:23). 

              Biblical instruction is also key to provide attitude adjustment. Arrogance had shown its ugly head at Corinth (6,18-19). Do you know who Paul says has to really work at fighting arrogance? Those who have knowledge, especially knowledge without love (8:1; 13:2). Paul understood the true nature of God’s kingdom (20), and this motivated him to do whatever was necessary to further their knowledge but also their application of their knowledge (21). Look ahead in chapter five at what Paul is about to write the Corinthians. They are arrogantly embracing someone who was living in egregious sin (5:1-2). They knew better, but they were not doing better!

              Instruction is about way more than Bible stories, facts, and memory verses. It is about letting the word live in your heart, keeping it in your heart, and living it in your life. How does God get that done? Through continued teaching, over and over again. What does God accomplish through it? Among the many personal benefits it yields an individual, it also helps produce and preserve unity in truth! May we never buy into the idea that growth requires abandoning God’s pattern and plan in order to appease people’s fleshly desires. 

              Much Better To Listen And Obey

              Neal Pollard

              God has a straightforward task for Saul in 1 Samuel 15. As a consequence for their opposition to Israel as they are fleeing Egypt in the battle where Aaron and Hur hold up Moses’ arm as Joshua leads the battle (Ex. 17:8-16), Amalek was devoted for destruction by God (Deut. 25:17-19)(1 Sam. 15:1-3). God is not ambiguous. He says “devote to destruction all they have” (3) and “do not spare them” whether man, woman, child, infant, or livestock (3). 

              Saul is given the task of carrying out that total annihilation. He amasses a huge army of 210,000 soldiers and sets out against Amalek (4). After warning the Kenites (5-6; Num. 10:29-32) among the Amalekites to leave or die, Saul and his army thoroughly defeat this enemy (7). Up to this point, Saul’s effort has been nothing but a success!

              However, Saul decides to do things the way he thinks is best. While he kills all the people as God instructs, “Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction” (9). God commanded Saul and he “would not” do it.

              Samuel records some pretty chilling words regarding His choice of Saul. God says, “I regret that I made Saul king” (11,35). This is very similar to what God said about humanity in Noah’s day (Gen. 6:6-7). The text reveals several factors that led to God’s grief. 

              • Saul turned back from following God (11)–He followed what he wanted to do
              • Saul had not performed God’s commandments (11)–He neglected or omitted what God instructed
              • Saul blamed his followers for this sin (15,21)–He left out his part as decision-maker and pinned it on the people
              • Saul forgot his humble roots (17)–He allowed his position to go to his head
              • Saul was disobedient (19)–This was at the very core of Saul’s issues
              • Saul was greedy (19)–He pounced on the spoil
              • Saul had no fear of God (19)–He did evil in the very sight of Him
              • Saul rationalized (20-21)–He claimed to have done what God said except for the “best of the spoil” in order to sacrifice them to God; He reasoned that it was OK since his motives, he claimed, were right.
              • Saul feared the people and listened to them (24)–He got things backward!

              But, that is when Samuel delivers the well-known, oft-quoted response to Saul. He tells the king, ““Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king” (22-23). What was going through Saul’s mind? Whatever it specifically was, he decided his way was better than the way God commanded him to go. 

              God’s attitude toward such a spirit and mindset is crystal clear. God rejects it! It’s obvious that Saul knew what he was doing. His confession of sin reflects he completely understood what he had done wrong (24-25), but he still feels more concerned about his image with the people than his integrity before God (25,30). He falls at Samuel’s feet and tears the prophet’s robe, and Samuel tells him that symbolized how the kingdom has been torn away from him and his descendants (27-29). Samuel tells him he cannot and he will not keep up appearances for Saul’s sake, but he does follow Saul back to the people so that he can finish the job Saul had not done. He kills Agag (32-34). Then, he leaves Saul never to see him again (35). Samuel was far from hard-hearted, but instead grieved over how Saul had turned out.

              It is dangerous for us to put question marks where God has put periods and exclamation marks. We have no right to make right what God has clearly deemed wrong, and we’re wrong to make wrong what God has not forbidden. Saul put himself in God’s place and thereby placed himself in spiritual danger. Perhaps worst of all is behaving in such a way that God regrets choosing to use us to accomplish His will because we would not trust and obey! We can always be sure that what God says is right and only His way is the way to go. In case we lose sight of that, we help ourselves by reviewing the sad case of Saul! “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams” (22).

              It Is “Difficult” To Be Full Of Ourselves

              Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

              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! 

              Neal Pollard

              Three Ways Pride Distorts Our Thinking

              Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

              Neal Pollard

              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). 

              MAKING GOD AN ADVERSARY

              Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

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              Neal Pollard

              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!

              Who Is The Greatest?

              Neal Pollard

              • The preacher who dazzles with his insight, personality, influence, popularity, or following?
              • The teacher who is the students’ favorite?
              • The member who is “balling” (making a lot of money and having a lot of success in business)?
              • The family with the biggest house and nicest automobiles?
              • The one with the best academic pedigree, with the proverbial alphabet soup behind their name?
              • The folks who are best known and most influential in our community?
              • The ones who are incredibly fit and attractive?
              • The greatest debater, philosopher, and reasoner we know?
              • The elder who is most successful in his career?
              • One who seems to combine a great many or even all of these attributes?

              It could be one of these individuals, but despite and not because of the specifics just mentioned. But, we so easily fall into the trap that causes us to think that those criteria are what make one greatest.  Such can cause us to vest blind trust in them or put them in a higher place than is right. Worse, we can try to be motivated to define and promote ourselves as greatest through these means.

              The tendency is so fundamental. Jesus warned against it in places like Matthew 20:25-28 and 23:12. His disciples, like James (4:6-10), Peter (1 Pet. 3:8; 5:5-6), Paul (2 Cor. 10:12-18), Jude (16), and the rest, at least implicitly, address the same trap. We all fight the desire to be seen so as to be admired. We may do so through our marriages, our children’s accomplishments, our economic status, our apparent importance, our having it all together, our professional prowess, or any other asset we feel responsible for having. If we use these things to place ourselves above and/or push others below, we are disqualifying ourselves for greatness in the only way that matters—God’s way. False modesty isn’t the answer, either.

              We must look at ourselves as dependent creatures. It’s all His and without Him we’d have nothing!
              We must look at ourselves as devoted stewards. It’s all His and He expects us to use it wisely, on His behalf!
              We must look at ourselves as divine instruments. It’s all His and He works through us to do His will!
              We must look at ourselves as dutiful slaves. It’s all His and so are we, living and serving at and for His pleasure!

              The warning and disclaimer is that this transformation must happen at heart-level, rooting out thoughts and attitudes that, while fleshly, are so easy to embrace. If the weeds of pride aren’t dislodged from deep within, this effort will prove impossible. But, if it could not be done, God would not have spent so much time instructing us to live and walk by the Spirit rather than by the desires of the flesh and mind. It is the old song, “None of self and all of Thee.” To the degree we adorn that mindset and make that transformation, to that degree we will achieve greatness God’s way!

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              What Is “Selfism”?

              Neal Pollard

              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!

              The Value Of Self-Forgetfulness (Poem)

              Neal Pollard

              Imagine a garden of flowers

              With a rose in its midst in full bloom

              This one blossom feels that it towers

              Over all others sharing its space and room

              It’s sure that its pedals are most plush

              No other more red in its hue

              No stem greener, no rival more lush

              It sought every admirer’s view.

              One day the gardener visited the flowers

              For a customer desired a bouquet

              They’d shared the same sun and showers

              Shared the same rich soil day by day.

              But the proud flower stretched tall its red blooming

              Puffed itself to its broadest dimension

              But the man searched out ones unassuming

              Their modesty drew his closest attention.

              For the budding roses would bloom with more vim

              In the care of the interested client

              Trusting food, water, and housing to him

              The posy proved itself quite reliant.

              But the abandoned, proud rose surely wilted

              His pedals dropped one by sad one

              By each customer it felt painfully jilted

              Til finally it was dead and gone.

              The moral of the story conjures sadness

              But its truth we ought never to hide

              Fullness of self is pure madness

              We hurt self most when we’re full of pride

              Forget self, be more modest as you grow

              Don’t seek glory and men’s adulation.

              The Gardener sees all and surely does know

              How to use us. Trust His perfect estimation.