Each week, One Community Church shares the inspirational words of one of its partners in the form of a devotional. This week’s devotional was written by Steven Wilkens.The Word:
“Thus says the LORD, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving-kindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NASB)
The Story:
Lately, I have grown increasingly aware of pride in my life. Whether it’s in conversation with my wife or simply doing the dishes, my flesh has been vigilant in pumping itself up. I am bombarded with thoughts about how I am great to listen to or have acquired many skills that others lack; even that I am quite amazing at washing dishes! My pride even causes me to boast in the knowledge I have gained about the Lord. Oh, how deceptive the sin of pride is, tip-toeing to my door selling pride in the form of confidence! But I must remember that any confidence or knowledge I have is based in the Lord, and the sacrifice of Christ when He died on the cross. Any wisdom or strength I believe I have must decrease, so that Christ’s character can be seen in me. I realize I must be a humble man, whose confidence is rooted in the great and mighty God.
The Reflection:
Do we find ourselves boasting in our own abilities? When we recognize prideful thoughts and behaviors in ourselves, how do we react? Do we allow pride to continue or pray that the Lord would humble our spirits? Can we identify ways we have been conned into relying on self-confidence, instead of confidence in God?
The Application:
This week, let us ask the Lord to reveal our hidden pride. Let us reflect on the deceitfulness of pride in these instances, and then ask Christ to help us walk in humility. As we go on the offense against our immodesty, let us find ways to serve others as Christ did.
The Prayer:
Father, we pray that our hearts will not be hardened by pride. Reveal to us the deceitfulness of pride in our lives. We thank You for the power to overcome it. Fill us with a greater love for You, so that we may be stirred to service and faith, rather than settling for empty self-confidence. We know that we are nothing apart from You, and rejoice in that truth. Amen.
