Pride is Deceiving
Galatians 6:2-5 (MSG)
Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
Reflection
Much like he did in Romans Chapter 12, Paul connects serving God with the temptation to become prideful in our work. In the body of Christ, we must set aside the notion that our role is more important or that through our talents we are doing more heavenly good than the next servant. If we start believing our own press, we can be deceived into thinking we must be God’s favorite child. From palaces to pulpits, pride destroys everything in its path.
Deception is versatile, and it can render us ineffective for kingdom use. If the anointing on your brother or sister stirs up jealousy or covetousness in your heart, this, too, will hinder the plans God has for your life. The antidote for self-centered deception is to honestly assess your talents and seek the Lord on how He wants to use them.
Think of the countless ways God can use your availability! Serving God is not a paint-by-numbers ritual. Every spiritual gift, every divine appointment, and every outlandish dream comes with a creative component that we should discover and develop for God’s glory.
Action Steps
Do an honest assessment of your talents and spiritual gifts and then ask God how He wants to use your life for His service.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the opportunities you give me to minister in Your name. I’m here to serve You any way You want to use me. Amen!
Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
Reflection
Much like he did in Romans Chapter 12, Paul connects serving God with the temptation to become prideful in our work. In the body of Christ, we must set aside the notion that our role is more important or that through our talents we are doing more heavenly good than the next servant. If we start believing our own press, we can be deceived into thinking we must be God’s favorite child. From palaces to pulpits, pride destroys everything in its path.
Deception is versatile, and it can render us ineffective for kingdom use. If the anointing on your brother or sister stirs up jealousy or covetousness in your heart, this, too, will hinder the plans God has for your life. The antidote for self-centered deception is to honestly assess your talents and seek the Lord on how He wants to use them.
Think of the countless ways God can use your availability! Serving God is not a paint-by-numbers ritual. Every spiritual gift, every divine appointment, and every outlandish dream comes with a creative component that we should discover and develop for God’s glory.
Action Steps
Do an honest assessment of your talents and spiritual gifts and then ask God how He wants to use your life for His service.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the opportunities you give me to minister in Your name. I’m here to serve You any way You want to use me. Amen!
Posted in Tree Church Daily Devo
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