When I stop making war on my pride, I make war on God.
“You save a humble people,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.” (2 Samuel 22:28)
“God opposes the proud…” (1Peter 5:5)
Pride has been manifesting itself in my heart recently with selfish ambition. In addition to thinking about the ministry I am called to serve in, I drift towards thinking about my influence and platform. Ironically, the men I respect the most seem to think very little about their platform and influence and just lead and do what they are called to do with humility and self forgetfulness.
James 3:13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Convicting questions for me:
1. Am I trying to put myself “before the great” or let God exalt me at the right time?
Proverbs 18:16 “A man’s gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.”
1 Peter 5:6 6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…”
2. Why am I so concerned about getting the credit?
“The tension between these two dangers (Acclaim for Christ vs. Craving Praise) calls for wisdom and humility. Our aim is that people would “glorify God,” not us (Matthew 5:16). On the one hand, we know that reputation matters: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). On the other hand, we know that people-pleasing reveals idolatry: “… not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22).
The great issue here is our heart. We have all heard people going on and on about how they mean for God to get the glory as they do their public ministry, but it sounded hollow. The very words seemed part of the act. Yet public ministry is inevitable and good. The focus should not be on techniques of self-effacement. The focus should be on our hearts. What do we really crave? Really. Have we been broken by our sin? Are we overflowing with thankfulness for truly all the good we don’t deserve? Do we really stand in awe of Christ? Is his reputation a happy burden to us?” (DG Article)
