Core Christian Value
Arrogance and pride are not Christian characteristics. God call us to be humble, willing to give credit where credit is due and to know that all gifts we possess are from Him.
It is a hard lesson for a proud person to learn, but going it alone is not God’s way. Why is it hard to learn that lesson? It is probably because we are sinning, sometimes unwittingly, by being proud when humility would have been the better choice. Pride may be one of the most subtle sins we commit. Listen to Paul’s advice:
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 NKJV
There is an old expression that says, “It is amazing what can be accomplished if you don’t care who gets the credit.” What is it about us that drives us to “take credit” for an idea or for an accomplishment? Does the answer have anything to do with maturity or does this problem persist throughout life? Does a Christian have less of a problem with this than a non-Christian? Discuss why that may or may not be true.
When God was describing the power of the serpent (Satan) to Job, He said: He is king over all the children of pride.” JOB 41:34 NKJV. Are we born with a “default setting” of being proud of ourselves? If so, how can this tendency be overcome? Is giving other people credit for their leadership and contributions a good characteristic?
Solomon spoke often of pride as being a serious problem. Listen: He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife … When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. PROVERBS 28:25, 11:2, 8:13 NKJV
That is pretty strong language. Why would our Lord go to such lengths to warn us about pride? Notice the word arrogance being referred to as the evil way. Perhaps that word gives us more clues as to the real problem with pride. Listen to King David describe an arrogant person:
Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; the one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure. PSALM 101:5 NKJV
God spoke through Jeremiah when He said: My soul will weep in secret for your pride; JEREMIAH 13:17 NKJV. Did you ever think that your pride and arrogance might cause God to weep for you? God embraces a person with a humble and contrite heart but He resists the proud.