overcoming pride

Apr

2024

Boasting in Christ Alone

Romans 15:17 – “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God”

As believers, we are called to serve God in various capacities, utilizing the gifts and opportunities He has graciously bestowed upon us.

However, the apostle Paul reminds us that the ultimate purpose, motivation, and attitude of our service should be to exalt and honor Christ, who is the source and goal of our service.

Purpose of Our Service

Exalting Christ Paul declares, “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.”

His service was driven by a desire to glorify Christ, expressing love and gratitude to the Savior and Lord. This should be our aim, too – to depend on and trust in Christ, who is the power and wisdom behind our service.

Danger of Pride

Unfortunately, we often forget this purpose and fall into the trap of pride.

Pride is the sinful tendency to think highly of ourselves and lowly of others, taking credit for what God has accomplished and blaming others for our failures.

It alienates us from God’s grace, damages our relationships, blinds us to our faults, and robs us of joy and peace.

Remedy of His Grace

Overcoming pride and learning to glory in Christ alone requires acknowledging our need for His grace.

Grace is God’s undeserved favor and kindness towards us, not something we earn or deserve, but something we receive freely and generously from Him.

The supreme expression of God’s grace is the person and work of Jesus Christ. He humbled Himself, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again, defeating sin and death.

He offers us eternal life, reconciliation with God, and the gift of His Spirit and Word to guide and empower us.

Response of Our Faith

To receive this grace, we must respond with faith – trusting and relying on God’s promises, accepting His will, and obeying His commands with gratitude.

Faith is not a work we boast about but a gift we humbly receive, the means by which we are justified and sanctified by God’s grace.

When we receive God’s grace by faith, we are set free from the bondage of pride and enabled to glory in Christ alone.

We can serve God with joy, humility, love, gratitude, dependence, and trust, giving Him all the glory and honor, for He alone is worthy.

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Apr

2024

Seeing Clearly: Overcoming Self-Righteousness

Self-righteousness – the belief we’re superior to others – creates a blind spot hindering our connection with God and others.

Blindness of Self-Righteousness

Matthew 7:3 – “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

Jesus uses a memorable image: someone trying to remove a speck from another’s eye while having a “plank” in their own. We can’t see clearly to help others if our own issues remain unaddressed.

Self-righteousness fosters hypocrisy, resentment, and isolation.

Signs of Self-Righteousness

Self-righteousness can be subtle. Here are some signs:

Constant Comparison: We judge ourselves superior or inferior based on achievements, looks, or opinions.
Disdain for Others: We look down on those with differing beliefs, labeling them as “sinners” or “enemies.”
Justifying Ourselves: We use our interpretation of scripture or tradition to justify actions and attitudes, ignoring other perspectives or God’s guidance.
Unwillingness to Admit Mistakes: We refuse apologies or blame others for our problems.
Echo Chambers: We avoid those who challenge us and surround ourselves with those who agree or praise us.

Overcoming Self-Righteousness

Conquering self-righteousness requires God’s grace and support from others. Here’s how to break free:

Confession and Forgiveness: Admit our imperfections, seeking God’s forgiveness and cleansing. We acknowledge His love and acceptance are based on grace, not merit.
Self-examination and Repentance: Regularly ask God to reveal hidden sins and self-righteous attitudes. Repent and seek renewal.
Openness to God’s Word and Others: Study scripture without manipulation, submitting to its authority. Learn from Christians with diverse backgrounds and respect their insights.
Humility and Servant-hood: Think of others more highly than ourselves, seeking to glorify God and serve others, not ourselves.
Love and Grace: Love others as God loves them, replacing judgment with compassion. Forgive as God forgives us, fostering fellowship and avoiding isolation.

Helping Others Overcome Self-Righteousness

Self-righteousness impacts our relationships. Here’s how to help others:

Modeling Christ-like Behavior: Show humility, grace, and love through words and actions. Don’t boast, but acknowledge God’s grace. Encourage and uplift others.
Truth Spoken in Love: Address self-righteousness gently and respectfully. Challenge and correct, but avoid attacking or accusing. Use persuasive words that bring healing.
Prayer: Pray with and for others, relying on God’s guidance.
Support and Fellowship: Walk alongside others, offering acceptance and encouragement. Celebrate achievements and support them through difficulties.

Self-righteousness is a hurdle, but God offers freedom. He replaces self-centeredness with Christ-centeredness, enabling harmonious relationships and a life reflecting His light.

Here now! Let me get that speck out of your eye!