Arrogance

You said in your heart,
     I will ascend to heaven;
Above the stars of God
     I will set my throne on high;
I will set on the mount of assembly
     In the far reaches of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
     I will make myself like the Most High.
But you are brought down to Sheol
     To the far reaches of the pit.    Isaiah 14:13-15 (ESV)

Winning is intoxicating.  I cannot imagine how powerful you would feel if you were able to take down the people of the Lord, loot their temple, and subjugate their people.  Nothing can stop you.  These words were ascribed to the ruler of Babylon about his view of his place in history.  Victory brings ascendency and comparisons or even domination over the Lord.

When things are going well in my life, who gets the credit.  Often we give ourselves the glory for something good that happened.  Babylon was chosen by God to bring judgment on Judah, but this did not make Babylon righteous.  Victory was according to God’s plan.

So if victory and defeat are neither good markers of God’s approval, than what please God?  I have come to learn obedience is the best marker. Obedience guides us through our tough moments and the unsure times.

Arrogance is in many ways the opposite of obedience.  It elevates the person and eschews humility.  Humility and obedience are siblings in our spiritual life.  We must be careful to never grab the exalted spot.  We may obtain great things for a time, but the proud will always be brough low (Dan 4:33).

What are some areas where you have grown a little proud?  How do you handle it when you are caught in your pride?  Do you ever feel like you do not need God?  What do you do about it?

Grace Discipleship: Prayer of Praise & Thanksgiving

All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.
And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

-Brent Pardue