Do you sometimes feel like you have it all together? Do you feel haughty, as though you are better than others? Have you thought your heritage is one to brag about? Has being a member of certain organizations made you feel superior? Do you know those are false feelings?
We like to think we are better than others. It may be due to specific talents or skills we have. It may be that we have joined organizations that tout being better. Unfortunately, some of us will base our superiority on race. But all these thoughts are evil, coming from Satan.
I retired from the Marine Corps and remember being a young Marine all puffed up because of the history of the Marine Corps. I have since discovered that every person is valued by God. In fact, it was during my time spent in the Marine Corps that I interacted with people of many different cultures and races. It was over the course of those 20 years that God slowly opened my eyes.
No matter what our race is, what clubs we belong to, what profession we work in, we all are children of God. He cares for each person. He loves each person. We may disappoint him with our actions and attitudes, but he still loves us. The most important thing we can do is love him back.
The Apostle Paul discovered this same truth. As Paul describes himself, he had all the qualifications of being a Jew of Jews. He had been raised the right way, educated in the law, was a member of the right group, and thought he was blameless. God removed his haughtiness with an encounter on the road to Damascus. Paul learned what each of us should learn, having a close relationship with Jesus, following His commands is the most important thing we can do.
I pray we all give up our haughtiness. I pray we know that God loves and cares for each person. I pray each one of us will pursue a close relationship with Jesus and follow His commands. Do not be haughty. God loves you. God loves each person. Grow closer to Jesus. Follow His commands.
Philippians 3:4b-6 If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
Marty Pressey 