Proud to Be Humble

Scriptures: Luke 18:9-14, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

PROUD TO BE IN GOD’S CAMP

In Luke 18, we read about a Pharisee overcome with gratitude for being on God’s side of the story. I am not being sarcastic; that is exactly what happened! Because we already know Jesus’ reaction to the Pharisee’s prayer, we dismiss his behavior without thinking twice. So today, let us look at his prayer again. “‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector.’” (Luke 18:11 NIV) 

In his prayer, the Pharisee did not take credit for his position in God’s camp; he thanked God for it. I can imagine the Pharisee observing the guilt and regret of the tax collector next to him (Luke 18:13), thinking: “I am so lucky not to be that guy today! Thank you, God!” Living his life within the safety of God’s commands and the church saved him from such torment. What was the issue then? Why did Jesus rebuke the Pharisee so harshly? 

We find the answer many years later when Paul is in the same shoes as the Pharisee (2 Corinthians 12). Paul was on a roll. He was experiencing amazing revelations from God. He was moving in such a space of holiness that he was very far removed from the ordinary sinful lives of the people around him. I am sure Paul’s heart must have been bursting to share all God was doing in his life, but he remembered Jesus’ story of the Pharisee. Even though everything he wanted to tell everybody was true, he had to be very careful. 

Paul knew how people react when extraordinary things happen to other people. They give them credit, and then the one with the extraordinary gift feels proud of himself, and then you know what happens. Or in Paul’s words: “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God” (2 Corinthians 12:6-7 NLT). 

How do you feel when God does something amazing in your life? How do you share your excitement and new revelations with others? How much focus is on yourself when you share your testimonies? 

You see, the way we share God’s great gifts with others has the potential to trap us into prideful behavior. We need to be very aware of what true humility looks like. 

Over the next few days, we will explore how to share God’s gifts humbly. Whether it is knowledge of God’s word, wisdom, generosity, or spiritual gifts, it should always be a reflection of Love. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT).

Scriptures: Mark 10:17-31, Jeremiah 9:23, Matthew 11:25-27, 1 Corinthians 13:2

PROUD TO KNOW IT ALL

Few things can compare to impressive Bible knowledge when moving into the “big leagues” of Christianity. Having scriptural answers to all the difficult questions of life sends a message of great faith to others who are struggling. 

Unfortunately, having the answers might not get you very far in Jesus’ world. In Mark 10, we read about a man who had great Bible knowledge but still missed the point. Being a rich man with an enquiring mind, we can assume he was intelligent and had the wisdom to make great decisions. Plus, he put his knowledge into action: “‘Teacher,’ the man replied, ‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.’” (Mark 10:20 NLT) That is surely something to be proud of! Unfortunately, that is where it often goes wrong. 

The rich man had great knowledge of God’s word but did not understand the true message. We don’t know why he decided not to give all his money to the poor, but we know the idea made him very sad (Mark 10:21-22 NLT). What would his life be like if it was no longer a display of his intelligence and wisdom? Would he then become just like everybody else? 

The danger of having great wisdom is believing we know it all. It is not a new thing, it has been a struggle of the wise throughout the ages. The great prophet Jeremiah gave the following warning from the Lord: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches:’” (Jeremiah 9:23 NLT) Centuries later, Jesus gave thanks to his Father for only revealing Himself to the humble. “At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: ‘O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.’” (Matthew 11:25 NLT)

Do you often find yourself in a position of guiding others in wisdom? Are you someone whom others admire for your sound biblical understanding? 

The great gift of godly wisdom you received can only bring glory to God if used humbly. Let us remind ourselves the purpose of all revelation from God is to share love. “If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2, NLT).

Scriptures: Matthew 6:19-21, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, Matthew 6:1-4, 1 Corinthians 13:3

PROUD TO BE POOR

Throughout the Bible and Jesus’ ministry on earth, we find many warnings against an unhealthy relationship with money. We are encouraged not to “store up treasures here on earth” (Matthew 6:19 NLT) and to stand firm against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). Unfortunately, our best intentions about money can sometimes become a pride trap. 

I can hardly think of a more powerful testimony than giving up all financial income to serve the Lord. Wow! That is surely something to be proud of… oops! In 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul addresses this issue by encouraging fellow believers in ministry to earn their living (v 10). You see, it is always a matter of the heart. In the case of this specific congregation, “ministry” became an easy excuse to live idle lives and escape responsibility. “Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business” (2 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT). 

This pride trap is not only applicable to those who sacrifice all their financial resources; it includes anybody who gives money away. What a great feeling it is when someone is grateful for what we gave them! But in Matthew 6, Jesus gives the following warning: “‘Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 NLT)

Do you feel you are doing well surrendering your finances to the Lord? Do you think your attitude about giving may be leading to pride? 

Test your motives by avoiding recognition or taking credit for your work. “Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4 NLT)

Let us make sure that we share love through our financial sacrifices. “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3 NLT)

Scriptures: Joshua 1:9, Judges 6:14, Judges 16:4-20, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, 1 Corinthians 13:8

PROUD TO BE STRONG

At the beginning of the most exhilarating stories in the Bible, there is a moment when the hero gets a pep talk from God. From Joshua, before attacking Jericho: “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT); to Gideon, before defeating the Midianites: “The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!’” (Judges 6:14 NLT) Is it possible for our godly strength to become yet another pride trap? 

Oh yes. Many fallen heroes of the Bible became examples of how a divine gift of strength can corrupt into pride. The tragic story of Samson comes to mind (Judges 14-16). Samson knew exactly where his extraordinary strength came from, but he chose to tempt God’s grace. In a moment of weakness, he gambled all the great purposes God had with his life. “Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. ‘My hair has never been cut,’ he confessed, ‘for I was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.’” (Judges 16:17 NLT) And that place of weakness is exactly where God meets us. 

Only when we realize that all strength would leave us immediately when we take our eyes from the Lord can we truly start to be strong. There is no better way to explain it than by Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12: “‘So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me… For when I am weak, then I am strong.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT) 

Do you consider yourself as someone with inner strength and resilience? Do you struggle to admit weakness? 

Let us stop relying on our strength for victory. Let us stop measuring success by our achievements. A good outcome is only possible when we surrender to Love. “Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV)

Scriptures: John 9:1-11, Mark 8:1-23, Proverbs 18:19, 1 Corinthians 13:5-6

PROUD TO BE RIGHT

A significant part of Jesus’ ministry on earth was in the form of challenging debates with wise people of the time. For example, when a woman committed adultery, Jesus was challenged into an argument about the Law. “‘Teacher,’ they said to Jesus, ‘this woman was caught in adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?’” (John 8:4 NLT) The Pharisees were sure to be right about that one! 

But the price the Pharisees paid to be right turned out to be a high one when they had to walk away in shame (John 8:9). You see, even the word of God can be modified to feed a prideful attitude. In Mark 7, Jesus seems to have had enough of these kinds of arguments. He brings the Pharisees to the core of the matter: “Jesus replied, ‘You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.”” (Mark 7:6-7 NLT) He went even further by saying that they “cancel the word of God” (v 13) to be right. 

Followers of Christ may easily fall into the same pride trap as the Pharisees. While we struggle to establish good values and absolute truth in an increasingly fluid society, we must be careful not to lose what is important. “An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.” (Proverbs 18:19 NLT) 

Do you have strong beliefs about absolute truth and biblical values? How do you communicate your convictions with others? 

Let us be careful when guiding others in the truths of the Bible. Let us remember the most important truth of all, God is love. “Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.” (1 Corinthians 13:5-6 NLT)

Scriptures: Acts 8:9-25, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 Corinthians 13:8

PROUD TO BE SPIRITUAL

Amongst believers, spiritual gifts can lead to greater positions in ministry than anything else. Think about prophetic or healing ministries attended by crowds from across the globe. The majority of great ministries today are known by the anointed leader. Ministries make great efforts to ensure the leader’s name, photo, and reputation invite people. I can almost hear a game show buzzer go off with a red light flashing… Pride trap! 

The corruption of spiritual gifts is nothing new. In Acts 8, we read of a newly baptized believer willing to pay good money for some spiritual gifts. Simon’s intentions may even seem to be in line with the Great Commission. “‘Let me have this power, too,’ he exclaimed, ‘so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!’” (Acts 8:19 NLT) I am not so sure his motives were pure. Imagine the possible return on his investment when people started showing up! 

What happened with Simon is not as extreme as we would like to think. What would happen to any famous evangelist if the Holy Spirit decides to hold back on his gift for a while? There would probably be terrible humiliation and financial ruin. Not to mention some followers giving up the whole Christianity idea altogether. I think souls lost due to such prideful behavior in ministry will be very difficult to account for with God one day. “‘On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.”” (Matthew 7:22-23 NLT) 

Which spiritual gifts have the Holy Spirit given you? How do you go about blessing others with your gifts? 

Let us use our spiritual gifts humbly to the glory of God. I pray people will experience love as we touch them through our gifts. “Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! (1 Corinthians 13:8 NLT)

Scriptures: Luke 5:17-26, Colossians 3:17, Luke 18:9-14, Romans 15:18

PROUD TO BE HOLY

On the final day of this Plan, we will close our time together with a grand finale. We do not know if the Pharisee we met on Day 1 was part of the crowd mentioned in Luke 5, but let us learn one more lesson. 

In Luke 5, after healing a paralyzed man, Jesus sent him away with an assurance his sins were forgiven (v. 20). The Pharisees were livid! “But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, ‘Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!’” (Luke 5:21 NLT) How ironic. The Pharisees’ “respect” for God turned out to be a denial of his Son. In their mission to please God by fulfilling the law, they missed the entire Gospel. 

In the same way as the Pharisees, our prideful godly intentions can end up corrupting our purposes as followers of Christ. Even though we are to be holy, separated as God’s children, we should never lose sight of God’s heart for everybody to be saved through Christ. “In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.” (Colossians 3:11 NLT) Who are we to deny anybody salvation and forgiveness through Jesus Christ? 

Forgiveness of sin should be the only thought that comes to mind when we encounter someone caught up in sin. That is what made all the difference in the story of Day 1. The Pharisee forgot about his need for forgiveness when he heard the tax collector cry out for mercy. “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God.” (Luke 18:13-14 NLT) This is the heart of true humility. 

How do you look at people around you who struggle with sin? Do you desire their forgiveness because you recognize your sinfulness? 

Let us take pride in one thing alone, the saving work of Jesus Christ. “Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ had done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them.” (Romans 15:18 NLT) This gift of Love will last forever. “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT)