Frank Leahy said, "Egotism is the anesthetic that
dulls the pain of stupidity." Epictetus asked, "What
is the first business of philosophy? To part with
self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to
begin to learn what he thinks he already knows."
The
prophet Jeremiah declares, “Thus
says the
Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his
wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might,
let not the rich man boast in his riches”
(Jeremiah 9:23). That pretty much sums up what
people brag about - intellectual superiority,
physical superiority or material superiority. But
having an IQ of 180 when you don't know the God who
knows all doesn't ultimately benefit you much.
Owning an estate worth millions of dollars when you
haven't and can't pay your sin debt will make you as
lost as the most common pauper. What is the might or
beauty of man or woman when you consider God, whose
power is limitless and whose beauty is without peer?
Such consideration will quickly cause us to pale in
comparison. Rather, if a man would boast, Jeremiah
goes on to say, let him, “boast
in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am
the Lord
who practices steadfast love, justice, and
righteousness in the earth. For in these things I
delight, declares the
Lord.”
(Jeremiah 9:24). “Is anything
too hard for the
Lord?”
(Genesis 18:14). The answer is a resounding, “No!”.
The Bible says that God is, “Mightier than the
thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of
the sea, the
Lord on high is mighty!” (Psalm
93:4).
Whatever ability or asset you have is a gift from
God intended to honor him and benefit others. If you
have been greatly blessed, then you have a greater
responsibility to be a blessing to others. James
makes the point that every good gift comes from God
(James 1:17). Instead of being proud and arrogant
remember that you are but a tool in the hands of God
that you might be useful for his purpose.
One
thing have I asked of the
Lord,
that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the
house of the
Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon
the beauty of the
Lord
and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm
27:4)
God bless you,
Brad Fry
