Bible Reading Blog
“It's Not About Me”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBible Reading: Proverbs 16
Proverbs 16.18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Have you ever felt like everything is about you? If you’re a human, the answer is probably yes. (Who is the first person you look for in a group photo?)
This past Sunday, we discussed the struggle we sometimes face with pride and the effects it can have in our lives. Pride is something that, throughout my life, has been difficult for me to get under control. As I reflect on past seasons of my life, it seems like I was always talking about what I had done or who I knew and gave little concern to others. If I’m being perfectly honest, these were seasons in my life where my confidence was low, and what I really trying to do was build my own self-esteem. But as C.S. Lewis once said, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
The key to advancing past this mindset is to be honest about our shortcomings (Romans 3.23) and acknowledge that God’s way is right and true (Deuteronomy 32.4). James 4:6 tells us “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
There are many stories in the Bible that give examples of prideful individuals who let their own ego get in the way; but there are also stories of humble heroes who exercise the humility, grace, and wisdom from God. From David, who refused to kill King Saul (on two separate occasions) to the prophet Daniel, who strove to serve God and did not seek riches or glory (Daniel 5:17), the Bible shows us the type of attitude that God desires. On the other end of the spectrum, we see men like King Saul and Haman (whom we studied on Sunday) who are famous examples of pride leading to a fall.
The core lesson we can take from each of these stories is this: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11, Matthew 23:12).
We must remember: It’s not about me. Instead of letting pride be our motivator, let’s follow the example of Christ: “Let nothing be done from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ...” (Philippians 2.3-5)
