For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. — Romans 12:3

Pride does go before a fall! Try to find a balance between these two truths: “I can’t be proud, but I need to know how much God loves me.” It isn’t simple. Satan can use what I call “the worthless worm syndrome,” which is when we talk badly about ourselves, to make us feel bad about ourselves and stop us from using our gifts and knowing how much God values us for Kingdom work. On the other hand, pride leaves God out of the picture and gives us credit for anything we do for God’s Kingdom instead of God. Being both made in God’s image and part of a fallen world is more than a theological question; it’s the struggle of a disciple every day. But we keep the right balance by giving thanks to the One who made us his child and took us into his family.

 

Thought

Pride does go before a fall! Try to find a balance between these two truths: “I can’t be proud, but I need to know how much God loves me.” It isn’t simple. Satan can use what I call “the worthless worm syndrome,” which is when we talk badly about ourselves, to make us feel bad about ourselves and stop us from using our gifts and knowing how much God values us for Kingdom work. On the other hand, pride leaves God out of the picture and gives us credit for anything we do for God’s Kingdom instead of God. Being both made in God’s image and part of a fallen world is more than a theological question; it’s the struggle of a disciple every day. But we keep the right balance by giving thanks to the One who made us his child and took us into his family.

 

Prayer

Holy Father, I know you love and value me because I am your child who Jesus died for. I know that you have given me skills and gifts to use for your glory and to bless your church. But, Father, I never want to think that my skills have anything to do with how smart or hard I work. I know that you gave me the gifts, skills, and experiences that have made me who I am, so please give me the power to use them for your glory. But, Father, I never want the glory that comes from your gifts to make me feel better about myself or make me forget that I am who I am, have what I have, and do what I do because of your grace and gifts. May I always work in your Kingdom as your humble but valuable child. I pray in the name of Jesus, your son and my older brother. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.