The sneaky sin of pride. Pride is one of the sneakiest sins in the Bible. It stealthily slips in and fills your heart when you’re unaware. Here are thoughts on how to guard against it.
The sneaky sin of pride. It turns something good into bad.
Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. (ESV, Mark 9:33-34)
Pride stealthily sneaks up on you. After a remarkable achievement. You make a profound statement. Help the helpless. And are all good things. Theyre admirable. Often benefit humanity. And are worthy of recognition. But while you bask in that glory, pride lurks in the shadows. Waiting to quietly ease it’s way in.
Take the disciples for example.
They were hitting their stride in ministry. Supporting Jesus as his ministry grew in fame. Learning about the spiritual kingdom he was building. And the important principles that supported it.
They were pastors and evangelists in training. Learning how to sacrifice, pray, preach, and heal. In other words, they were preparing to advance the kingdom of God. A worthy spiritual ambition. And they had done some remarkable things themselves. But it was going to their heads. And it reached the point they argued about who among them was the greatest.
Pride often begins with something admirable. But the more attention and praise it gets, the greater the temptation to think of ourselves more highly than we ought.
And the irony? The disciples were caught up in their humility, but infected by pride.
The sneaky sin of pride. You’re the last to see it.
Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector (ESV, Luke 18:10-11)
Sinful pride builds up slowly–one degree at a time. Beginning with self congratulation.
First, a tiny step. Hey, you’re not so bad. Then it grabs a toe hold. You know, you’re actually pretty cool. And finally it reaches cruising speed in long strides. Wow, Dude. You’re totally awesome!
Don’t get me wrong. It’s normal to feel good after accomplishing something noteworthy. And it’s okay to receive recognition for it. But that is exactly the danger. Because it plays right into our sin nature. Especially the desire to be a little bit better, more excellent, and slightly superior to everyone else.
So we relive that moment over and over like a “feel good” junky. Convince ourselves that we are maybe, no, definitely more virtuous than others. Until we finally reach the pride pinnacle of a legend in our own mind. And completely blind to it.
The sneaky sin of pride. Resist it by giving God the glory.
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. (ESV, Psalm 9:1)
There are ways to guard against pride. And the first is to give God the glory in all you do. However, it doesn’t mean pretending an amazing accomplishment wasn’t amazing. Digging your toe in the ground with head down and saying, “Aw shucks. It was nothing.” That’s actually false humility. Pride in disguise.
It’s okay to acknowledge an extraordinary accomplishment or talent. But also acknowledge your abilities are God given to use for His glory. Because they are on loan for a given time and will eventually fade. However, God’s glory will shine forever. By taking the spotlight off yourself and focusing it on God you’ll keep things in proper perspective.
God is the creator. We are the created. Made and sustained by Him. Our purpose is established by God and best demonstrated by glorifying Him.
Become childlike and remember your sinfulness.
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (ESV, Matthew 18:2-4)
Children are innocent and unpretentious. They see a world full of wonder, assume the best in others, ask honest questions, and naturally trust adult answers. Of course, we know adults are not automatically trustworthy and may consider children naive. Still, Jesus presents them as the model Christ followers should imitate.
Why?
Because God is completely trustworthy and His word absolute truth. Therefore, we can and should follow its teachings faithfully. Not just because God commands it. But because they are for our good and promote human flourishing.
Furthermore, we should remain mindful of our sinfulness. Acknowledge that it’s God’s goodness, not our own, that saves us. And that a life, saved by grace, should offer it in kind. This in turn, fosters an attitude of gratitude that helps us see beyond oursleves.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??
Entering God’s rest is a Biblical teaching found in Hebrews 4:9-14. Here are some thoughts on what it means.
Entering God’s rest. Faith is active rather than passive
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience (ESV, Hebrews 4:11)
It appears contradictory. Strive to enter rest? Like get busy so you can relax? But wait. First, let’s dig a little deeper. What does the writer mean by “rest?” Curl up for a nap? Take a vacation? Don’t worry be happy?
In this context “rest” means eternity. More specifically heaven. But why call it rest?
Because heaven leaves the stressful chaos of this world and steps into the safe presence of God. Of peace, joy, and harmony. Where fear, worry, and suffering are gone. Well, that’s certainly worth striving for. But the writer doesn’t mean striving as a qualification for entrance. In other words, work hard enough to earn your way. Because sin prevents us from entering heaven on our own merit. Fortunately, sin is defeated by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Still, the writer urges readers to engage in some kind of activity. But what?
Active faith produces Godly living.
The Christian faith is often misperceived as a passive experience. Simply believe in your head and you’re there. However, James challenges believers to make their faith active. To demonstrate it by righteous living.
Perhaps that why Christ-followers are sometimes disparagingly called “Do gooders.” It’s for good reason. (Pun intended)
We demonstrate our faith through good works to express our love for God. A sign of gratitude for His saving grace. And then actively strive to obey God’s word because we want to, not have to.
Entering God’s rest holds on to our confession
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (ESV, Hebrews 4:14)
Christian faith starts with a confession like Thomas the disciple made. He was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, And Thomas insisted he wouldn’t believe unless he saw Jesus and touched his scars. So when Jesus appeared next and Thomas was present, Jesus presented his scars and let Thomas touch them. And Thomas declared, “My Lord and my God!”
Every disciple of Jesus makes this declaration. Recognizing Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Acknowledging his sacrifice for our sins. Confessing him as Lord.
But it’s not one and done. Heaven is locked in and the rest is smooth sailing. Because we must still navigate the struggles of life. The doubts, Uncertainties. Questions. So we cling to that confession. Cherish it. Return to it as a reminder of what Jesus suffered for us. And endure suffering for him too. But it ends at the threshold of heaven. On the other side awaits rest.
Entering God’s rest. God’s grace is an ongoing support.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV, Hebrews 4:15)
Grace is the message of hope that fuels the Christian faith. And God offers it through the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. It too, is not one and done. But dispensed in daily doses to strengthen and sustain us through life’s struggle. In the daily grind of living out our faith and striving to honor God. His grace is abundant. Strength constant. Love unyielding.
And hope is not wishful thinking, but an unshakeable confidence. For as we lean on faith, God supplies our needs to endure. His grace upholds and His path is sure. His yoke is easy and burden light.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Leading by influence rather than power is demonstrated in 2 Chronicles 23-24. The story reads like a fairy tale, but without the typical ending. Here’s what we learn from it.
Leading by influence rather than power. Honoring God rather than yourself.
And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 23:16)
When Ahaziah king of Judah died, his mother Athaliah grabbed power by killing the other family heirs to the throne. But she missed one. King Ahaziah’s infant son, Joash was saved by his aunt Jehoshabeath, wife to Jehoiada the priest. They hid Joash for the next six years of Athaliah’s reign that was characterized by idol worship.
Power versus Influence
Power demands compliance, but influence uses persuasion. Obedient versus willing followers. And Jehoaiada wanted the people of Judah to willingly follow the Lord. So he devised a plan to turn the peoples’ hearts back to God. First, he persuaded the military to support Joash in a coup. Then quietly assembled the military, important leaders, and Levite priests in Jerusalem. And at an arranged moment they proclaimed Joash king. Queen Athaliah was seized and put to death. Followed by a public ceremony led by Jehoaiada who recommitted the people to God.
Leading by influence rather than power so others follow God.
AndJoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 24:2)
However, influence requires two pre-requisites to work: Relationship and respect. It’s obvious Jehoaiada and Joash had a relationship like father and son. And Jehoaiada’s devotion to God and personal integrity earned him respect. Therefore, Joash willingly followed Jehoaiada’s instruction.
Jehoaiada’s influence made a positive, spiritual impact on Joash. And Joash executed his authority over the kingdom so that the people honored God. He destroyed all the idols, restored God’s temple, and established the worship of God. The result was a strong, prosperous kingdom that was feared and respected by the surrounding kingdoms during Jehoaiada’s lifetime.
Leading by influence rather than power. So those you influence own it.
After the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers and served the Asherim and the idols. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 24:17)
Influence at its best leads to human flourishing. To create healthy families. Thriving organizations. And God honoring faith communities. Under the rule of Queen Athaliah, the people of Judah suffered. But they prospered under Jehoida’s influence and the rule of king Joash.
Unfortunately, after Jehoiada died, other voices influenced Joash and led him back to idols. The kingdom of Judah slid into moral decline, Joash descended into an evil king, and was ultimately killed and buried in disgrace.
The ending underscores a critical truth in the Christian faith. You can’t claim the faith of someone else like your parents or a friend. You must follow God and embrace faith in Jesus Christ for yourself. Through his influence Jehoiada the priest led Joash to the threshold of faith. The final step was his, but he didn’t take it. He never owned his faith. So whose faith do you own?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Virtue signaling appears in Acts 5:1-10 as the early Christian church was formed. But God immediately rejected it. Here’s why.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Because it masks the reality of sin
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (ESV, 1 John 1:8)
The book of Acts records the formation of the Christian church. The growth especially accelerated after the day of Pentecost, when all the followers were gathered together and filled by the Holy Spirit. Along with boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, wealthy members shared generously from their resources with less fortunate members.
One wealthy couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold a piece of real estate and took money from the sale to the Apostle Peter. Although it was a portion of the total sale, they pretended it was the full amount in order to appear completely self-sacrificing. They were more concerned with their moral status as super religious people than the actual needs of others. In other words, they were virtue signaling.
Why is this a problem?
Virtue signaling points to yourself. It says, “See? I’m not so bad. Look at me.” But true humility seeks to glorify God and not yourself. Furthermore, virtue signaling promotes the idea that if we do enough good works, we can earn our way to heaven. And it masks the real problem, which is sin. It is sin that separates us from God. And salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Focusing on your virtue diverts attention from your sin. And sin is the critical moral reality that every person must address.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. It’s the motivation that matters
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (ESV, Matthew 6:5-6)
Peter clarified why God rejected the gift of Ananias and Sapphira. It was not the gift itself but the motivation behind it. They didn’t have to sell their property in the first place. And after selling it, they were free to donate whatever amount they wanted.
What God rejected was the deceptive show. The pretend generosity. The hypocritical photo op of caring for others in order to magnify their personal piety. To look holy and righteous when in reality, their hearts were full of pride and self-righteousness.
But wait, you say.
Doesn’t God want us to pursue righteousness? Isn’t that what Ananias and Sapphira were doing? And the answer is, yes and no.
They were doing a good thing, but for their own glory. Christ-followers are called to pursue righteousness in order to please and glorify God. Not to earn divine brownie points There is nothing we can give God that He needs.
What He desires is our fully devoted hearts.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Holiness is not perfection, but a life set apart.
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.and the people held them in high esteem. (ESV, Acts 5:12)
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (ESV, 1 Peter 1:15-16)
The Greek word for “holy” is hagiŏs, which means to be consecrated or set apart. It doesn’t mean Christ-followers are morally superior to anyone because we are still guilty of sin. The difference is that we acknowledge our sin, confess it, and seek God’s forgiveness.
However, a holy life does strive to demonstrate conduct in accordance to God’s word. To imitate the life of Jesus Christ. And avoid behavior that scripture forbids. It’s not a matter of “have to” but “want to.”
Therefore, Christian joy is a genuine expression of a recipient of grace. A life set free from the bonds of sin. One that celebrates, not our own goodness, but the goodness of God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
When you tell God you quit. After the death of Jesus, Peter quit. He abandoned three years of ministry with the Son of God and returned to fishing. But Jesus wasn’t finished with him yet. Here’s what we learn from the encounter.
When you tell God you quit. He meets you where you are.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, everything went crazy. Jesus, the one that held everything together was gone and no one knew what to do. Fear gripped them. Would the leaders who crucified Jesus come after them too? So, all the disciples of Jesus scattered.
In John 21:3-19, Peter quits and returns to the familiar. Fishing. Because…well, isn’t that what we do when we lose our bearings? Our safety feels threatened? Go back to what makes us feel safe and secure like comfort food?
Fishing was an honest trade and a sensible fallback plan. Except when you follow Jesus, what we consider sensible is not always how he leads. But rather, pushing into the uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Because he wants us to trust him and exercise faith.
And even when we mess it up, he comes after us to restore our relationship with him.
That’s what he did with Peter.
When you tell God you quit. He challenges your thinking
There’s something familiar about the scene in John 21:3-19. Because it’s a repeat of Jesus’ first encounter with Peter recorded in Luke 5:1-11. Peter was cleaning his fishing nets nearby as Jesus preached to a crowd on the beach. And Jesus asked Peter if he could use his boat as a preaching platform. They pushed the boat into the water and Jesus sat and taught the beach crowd. And when Jesus finished, he told Peter to put out to deep water and let down his nets.
A bit audacious for an itinerant preacher to tell an experienced fisherman how to fish. I can imagine Peter smiling at Jesus a bit condescendingly. “Dude, you’re a preacher and I’m an experienced fisherman. I won’t tell you how to preach. Don’t tell me how to fish.”
But he didn’t. Why not? Perhaps there was something about Jesus that compelled Peter to do what he said. A sense that Jesus was beyond ordinary. And his thoughts were higher than Peter’s thoughts. So Peter complied and the huge catch of fish nearly broke the nets.
And you wonder. How could an itinerant preacher know better than a seasoned fisherman where the fish were and how to find them?
He didn’t have to. Jesus simply commanded the fish where to swim. It made Peter a believer and he immediately left everything and followed Jesus.
When you tell God you quit. He revisits your calling and demands your commitment.
There were times as a pastor in church ministry when I wanted to quit. Because I was discouraged by failure. Treated unfairly. And questioned my calling. Ever been there?
But I remember the wise counsel of a mentoring pastor: Whenever you doubt your call and think of quitting, go back to the moment you first sensed God’s call. And that’s exactly what Jesus does with Peter. He revisits the scene of Peter’s original call to ministry. And once again, the nets almost tore apart with a huge catch of fish.
But Jesus goes further by demanding Peter’s commitment. “Peter, do you love me? Then feed my sheep.” And after repeating the question and demand for commitment two more times, the point was clear.
Jesus doesn’t suggest we try him out like sampling ice cream flavors before a purchase. He doesn’t offer unlimited “you are blessed” passes for a pain free Christian experience. In fact, he tells Peter that his commitment will include a cost. And the same may be true for us.
What Jesus wants to know is this: Are you all in?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Join my list and I'll notify you of new blog posts and send you a monthly newsletter. It features inspirational thoughts, writing tips, and a peek into writing projects. I'll also include my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. It shows you how to punch up presentations with humor and make them more compelling.
