Glorying Rightly
Web page Devotion for the week of March 7th, 2010
SCRIPTURE TEXT: Jeremiah 9:23-24
23
Thus says the Lord:
Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man
glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
24 But
let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord,
exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For
in these I delight, says the Lord.
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All of us like to be recognized for what
we do. This is an integral part of human nature. However, human nature does not
always align with Gods purposes. Here the prophet Jeremiah is telling us
something which God has revealed to him.
Pride is one of the most deceptive of
sins for it falls right into line with normal human desires. Those who feel
they are highly educated often look down upon people of lesser education. Those
who have made a success in the business world and acquire riches often look
down on those who are poor. Those born to a family with a long pedigree of high
social standing often are haughty towards those of more humble origins. Many in
Anglo Saxon lineage often discount the abilities of others of a different
ethnicity.
All such prideful boasting, whether
openly or in our secret thoughts are condemned here by God. Much conflict in
our society, and sadly even in our churches can be traced to such prideful
attitudes. God condemns all such false attitudes.
This was one of the down falls of the
Jewish nation at the time of Jeremiah and later, even until Jesus
day. Jews had so much pride in being Gods chosen people that they
despised all Gentiles. And today in America we are still not completely free of
prideful prejudice which is based on racial pride.
Let us today examine our hearts and see
if we are being prideful towards our neighbors, our fellow believers in other
ethnic groups, or even the many lost sinners around us whom it is our duty to
reach for Christ.
Could a prideful attitude be hindering
the carrying out of Gods Great Commission?
Jesus told us to Go
Ye therefore and teach all nations, Baptizing them in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost(Matthew 28:19)
Let us then purge out the old leavening
of pride and go about the business of proclaiming Gods love for all.
Understanding and knowing God, as Jeremiah
writes in verse 24 above, is where our minds should be focused, not upon
our position- whatever it is.
Prayerfully submitted- Joe Forbus 02/26/2010
