By now we understand that it is God who gives us gifts. But
sometimes we get so caught up in these attainments that we allow pride to get a
foothold, then we start to identify as the gift – the gift becomes who we are;
we’re no longer just Dick or Dora, Boyo or Carla. We lose ourselves to the role
of prophet this, and prophetess that, enlightened teacher, and worship leader,
best organist and best soloist.
Too many gifted Christians fall prey to that temptation, forgetting
from Whom their ability comes, they behave as if they’re God’s gift to mankind,
strutting about like an open-tail peacock. Success, compliments and adulation
can cause swell-headedness, leading to an idealized self-image.
Paul warns us to not “think
of yourself more highly than you ought to think” and that “everyone
who exalts himself will be humbled”
Sadly, haughty people don’t realize that they are heading
for a fall…
“Pride goes before
destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18 (ESV)
As you continue this journey on the road to Pentecost, examine
your heart in the light of the Holy Spirit, and be reminded…
“…all things come from You,
and from Your own hand we have given to You.” – 1 Chronicles 29:14 (AMP)
“For from Him [all things
originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all
things [directed].” – Romans 11:36 (AMP)
“Every good gift, every
perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father” –
James 1:17 (CEB)
Amen †
Shelley Johnson “On the Road to Pentecost: Be Reminded” ©
2025 May 26, 2025
No comments:
Post a Comment