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 that you love and value me as your child who was purchased at the price of Jesus’s death. I am aware that you have given me talents and gifts that I can use to bless your church and bring you glory. But Father, I never want to believe that my talents are somehow connected to my worth or my productivity. Please give me the power to serve you to your glory because I know that you gave me the talents, skills, and life experiences that have shaped me. But Father, I never want the glory that comes from your gifts to make me feel proud of myself or take away from me the understanding that you, your grace, and your kind gifts are the reason I am who I am and have what I have and do what I do. May I always be your little, but precious, child working in your kingdom. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.