Pride Not People Are Expendable

The prophets, apostles, and Jesus Christ urged us to be humble.

Peter wrote, “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” [1]

He was speaking to Christians who were being mistreated for their faith in Christ. Rather than rise-up against the powerful, he urged them to lower themselves before God. Let go and let God! Or has Beth Moore once said, “Duck, and let God take care of it.”

Jesus warned the multitudes and His disciples against those who want to be the center of everyone’s attention. He assured them that proud people will be humbled, and that humble people will be cared for by God.

As to spiritual leaders who wanted to be the center of everyone’s praise, Jesus taught…

“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore, whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. [See * below] They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi;’ for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’” [2]

Sometimes the disciples of Jesus argued over who was the greatest. Jesus urged them not to argue over greatness, but to seek to be humble like little children.

“Heavenly Father, please grant us grace to shun pride and embrace humility. To You be the glory!”

[1] 1 Peter 5:6
[2] Matthew 23:1-12

* Phylacteries were Scripture boxes tied to one’s body. The hems of the Pharisees had 613 threads in them to represent the 613 laws of the Old Testament. They enlarged their Scripture boxes and hems to make a statement, namely, we are more like God than others.