Have you thought you had a right to brag about your accomplishments? Have you thought your pedigree allowed you to think more highly of yourself? Did you find out later you really had no reason to think so highly of yourself? Have you given up putting yourself on a pedestal?
Some of us like to put ourselves on a pedestal. We like to believe we are better than others. Our perception may be that we have made better decisions or were born into a better family or we have accomplished more than others. However, that is not how we should view ourselves.
Even if we have been born into a better situation, had better education, and made good decisions, we should not think of ourselves as better than others. The Apostle Paul had all the credentials and accomplishments he could have had. His education was equivalent to an Ivy League education today. Yet, he realized it meant nothing after his encounter with Christ.
Paul came to understand the most important thing to ever happen to him was knowing Jesus. He realized what he thought he knew was not the truth of God. He discovered the true meaning of life. He understood there was nothing on this earth to compare with heaven. Paul, being a man of high status, gave it all up to follow Jesus and carry out His will.
We are to do the same. But let’s not make the mistake some have. Giving it all up does not mean we should literally throw away our education or give up our jobs. No, it means our attitudes are to change. We are to realize all we have has been given to us by God and give him the credit. We are to use what we have been given for his glory, not ours.
I pray we all give up thinking highly of ourselves. I pray we take on the attitude of a humble servant. I pray each one of us will use our gifts and talents to bring glory to God. Do not think highly of yourself. Have a humble attitude. Know that God has given you all you have. Seek to bring glory to God.
Philippians 3:7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.
Marty Pressey 