As Americans we are a proud people. We boast about living in the most powerful country in the world. Many wear their patriotism outwardly, believing that because they are citizens of the United States they possess a superiority over all other people of the world. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with loving our country and being patriotic. However, as Christians we must be careful of too much self-imposed pride. Answer the following questions, “Did you choose the country of your birth?” and “Did you choose the race to which you were born?” Of course the answer is “No.” to both questions. So we must be very careful not to become arrogant and take credit for our nationality but rather be thankful for it.
The Christians at Corinth had this problem. They had become arrogant because of the spiritual gifts they had received and developed a sinful dose of pride because they could perform miraculous tasks (1 Corinthians 4:6-7). Pride and arrogance are not only unattractive characteristics but are emotions which God hates (Proverbs 6:17). Religious arrogance is especially condemned in the New Testament narrative, so much so that God will resist (oppose) the proud while embracing the humble spirit (James 4:6). There’s nothing wrong with having pride in ourselves, our families, our country and our Lord. But when we become haughty, thinking ourselves better than others because we’ve received God’s grace we commit the greatest of hypocrisy (Matthew 23:28).
-Special thanks to Jay Launius from Maud church of Christ in Texas
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