Faith

Self Elevation

by paul hoffmaster
01/03/21
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I wonder how many Believers have a positive opinion of themselves, at least when it comes to comparing themselves to others.  Some feel intimidated by those who have a greater Biblical understanding than themselves, and when that happens, they have a tendency to demote themselves from a faithful participant to just a spectator.   Others feel they have received a degree in Biblical knowledge and display their “mind certificate” with an elevated attitude.   Scriptural knowledge is not gauged on how much one knows, but on how much one shows. 

Jesus taught repeatedly the importance of becoming like little children in pursuing the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 18:3)  He stressed that the way to spiritual heights was to become a servant to others. (Matthew 23:11)  He talked about washing one another’s feet. (John 13:5)   John the Baptizer cried out that Jesus must increase while he must decrease. (John 3:30)   When we display self-promotion to others, we have misunderstood the Scriptures.

Jesus shared a story about two men who went to the Temple to pray.  One was a Pharisee and the other a Publican.  They both suffered from self-aggrandizement.  They had both trusted in themselves that they were more righteous than others.  The Pharisee prayed telling God he was not an extortioner, unjust, or an adulterer.  He stated that he was not like that publican, who was also there praying.   He then reminded God that he fasted twice a week and gave the tithe of all his possessions.  (I wonder how many Believers that espouse tithing pay a tithe on everything they possess). It is important to note that he was in effect, “praying with himself.” (Luke 18:11)  Many prayers of self-justification go no higher than our ears.  The Publican, who was praying some distance away from the Pharisee, did not even look up but beat his Breast crying out for God to be merciful to him.  Jesus ended the parable by saying that the Publican returned to his house Justified (vindicated).  When people humble themselves before God, They will be lifted up. (Luke 18: 9-14)  

We all make mistakes in life, but I wonder how many of us come to God with penitent hearts seeking forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  We are more concerned with receiving blessings than acknowledging our missteps and receiving His forgiveness. 

After the resurrection, Jesus and some of the disciples met for breakfast on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.  There Jesus recommissioned Peter to feed His lambs and sheep.  Peter with an almost condescending attitude asked Jesus what was John supposed to do.  Jesus basically told him it was not to be his concern. (John 21:20-22)  Pride limits our capacity to achieve all that God has for us.  Let us not compare ourselves with others, but let us prefer one another ahead of ourselves.  Let us always remember who we are and whom we serve.  We are all different, but we are all children of God.