Some time ago when I was walking around in the shopping mall accidentally I met an old friend when was in college. I am so excited met her because been many years I have not hear news about her. Afterwards we were deep in exciting conversation. We were talk about many things. But after a while, I felt there was something different from her. I heard sound of arrogance in every of her words. There was her sayings that really show her arrogance when we talked about business, “If you have a problem in business, you can come to me for help. Now with the position and authority that I have, I can do anything. I can change everything from impossible become possible!”
Honestly I really sad to saw her changed drastically. I knew her very well before. A meek young college girl even there was an impression of inferiority. But now she totally changed become an arrogant and snobby woman. Even worse, it seems she was not aware of the changes that happened to him. He felt all she did was reasonable. My husband said to me, “That’s one of the human weaknesses. Many people when they have a great success they could change drastically. When they have high position and powers, they turned out to be an arrogant person. They are forget that it all just a blessing from God”
Of what happened with my friend, I am increasingly aware why in the Christian life God many times advised us to always being humble and always live in humility. As God through Paul advised the Ephesians,
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
To the Philippians God advised,
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Philippians 2:3)
And to the Colossians God said,
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ( Colossians 3:12)
There are many more advice to always be humble, and this is very important because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6)
I am reminded of the story of Joshua when he wanted to lead the Israelites to cross the Jordan. (Joshua 3:1-17) God spoke to Joshua before entering the Jordan,
“Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.” (Joshua 3:7)
After Joshua receive God’s message, he was immediately conveyed it to the Israelites. Let us pay attention to what Joshua said to the Israelites, he said,
This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites (Verse 10)
Please note, Joshua did not say, “look, today you all will see how the Lord rearing my name, exalt me among you …” Joshua did not say, “Here I am! I am the chosen, higher than all of you, and if you survived it all that because of me.” Not at all! What Joshua said is,” This is how you will know that the living God is among you…” When I pondering this story I found and see Joshua’s humility. Joshua remains being humble because he was fully aware that it is not because his great or strong power Israelites would have crossed the Jordan, but because of God’s care. Joshua focused not on himself but to God. The focus is only to the God that glorified in all things have ever, is and will happen. Joshua did not take over of what is become God’s right. Furthermore, Joshua also explained in detail how they should to cross (Verse 11-13), and that he did to show that what will happen is not a simply coincidence, or not because of the greatness of Israel or himself, but because there is the power of God that works to protect and save them.
Now let we look at a story which opposite with the story of Joshua. Let’s see to the story of Korah. Initially, Korah was a quite influential leader at the time when the Israelites came out from Egypt. As with other Levites, Korah trusted to do the work in the tabernacle of the Lord and has a duty to serve the people. With such a status Korah automatically got a higher trust compared the other Israelites. It was such an honor and a big responsibility. Yet the fact was, Korah fell into the rebellion sin. He became oblivious to the essence of trust which God has given to him after success. He appreciates himself excessively and then fails to recognize the limits that God has set for him. He forgot to what became the line of his duty and he became arrogant. He was plotting a rebellion.
And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: (Number 16:2)
Why did he rebel? Because he felt himself great above others and thirst for positions. Then Moses rebuked Korah,
Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near himself to do the work at the Lord’s tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them? He has brought you and all your fellow Levites near himself, but now you are trying to get the priesthood too (Numbers 16:9-10)
Arrogance made them forget that they are actually not opposed Moses and Aaron alone but God who has outlined immediately like what they have to walk. And what happens next was very fatal. The wrath of God came upon them and the destruction was befalling them.
And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. (Numbers 16:32-33)
Korah and his people eventually perish, down alive into the realm of the dead. It is God’s punishment for the people who are arrogant and dared against to God. And this is a warning to us not to be destroyed caused by our pride.
The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Korah, whose followers died when the fire devoured the 250 men. And they served as a warning sign. (Numbers 26:10)
In everyday life we could found those who extremely changed just because they reached great success, have a high position and authority, feel the most powerful and can do anything. As a Christian, when God blesses us with success and was entrusted with full authority whether we would to be like them change drastically become arrogant and forget the essence of the trust that has been given by God? Today we could learn from these two stories. Whether we want to be like Joshua who was always focused on God and not take over what is become God’s right? Remain humble because he was fully aware that it was not as great or strong his power the Israelites would have crossed the Jordan, but due to the God’s power. Or we want to be like Korah who appreciates himself excessively and become an arrogant person, thirst for the position and honor, wanted to go beyond the limits that God has set for him, and eventually just got God’s wrath?
My dearest friends, this time please allow me to encourage all of you to always remember that everything that we have is only from God alone. Success, position, honor, affluence, authority, it all is just because blessings from God. Always remember to not steal the God’s glory and do not snatch the right of God to boast ourselves as written in Jeremiah,
Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Please always remember that we saved to save, we are blessed to be a blessing not to be a stumbling block. All of blessing that we have received is not use to boast ourselves but merely for the channel of blessings for others and just for God’s Glory. Without God we are nothing!
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John15:5)
Do not be oblivious and feel that we are the greater than other then forget and steal the glory which becomes God’s right. When we become successful let’s keep it well, continue to being humble, bless others over and over again and continue to glorify God. Do not feel we can do anything just because Intelligence, talent or expertise or even a chance to succeed are only comes from the God’s grace. Amen.
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! (Romans 11:36)
Karina – Living by faith
Photo by Paul Militaru http://photopaulm.com
As I was reading your lovely post Karina, I was reminded of how my god “works” with me. I cannot think of any time – ever – that He has said “Look at me – I know it all – I have it all – I am it all!” And when I read your words and had that ringing in my head – it seems very weird now it is on the page!
Because all He ever does is ask, congratulate, encourage, show, help, wait, and wait some more … always for me. It is always about me. Never about Him.
“This is how you will know that the living God is among you …”
Wow! Thank you.
Dear Brother Paul,
You are always gave a different comment on my post, And you know what, it always make me ponder. There is always something different sight in every of my post and the important thing is, it all make me grow and continue to grow in spiritual. Thank you very much, Paul 🙂 many blessings to you and have a great day.
Excellent word Karina! Humility is hard to find in a world that’s all about rising to the top. The Scriptural examples you used really demonstrate the importance of humility and how God does not honor those who dishonor Him. Thanks for sharing! Have a great day 🙂
Dear sister Lauren,
You are much welcome. Thank you very much for reading my post. Your
Comment always up lifting me 🙂 Thank you and have a great too 🙂 Blessings in Christ.
I enjoy the grace alive within your heart and spirit, for I too know that spirit so very well! There is great spiritual wealth that comes to one who seeks to emulate His way, his walk, the love for others from his always caring, sharing, and humble heart. Your heart is so full of that spiritual wealth. I am always blessed as I read your words…they shine radiantly! Spiritual hugs and blessings Karina. This is for you, it could have been easily written by you…have a wonderful day!
A Thought Of Love
A thought of love, so great a love
That with time will never fade
A thought of love so warm a love
That a heart does want to stay
A thought of love, so tender a love
That only knows how to give
Inside my heart does blossom
Because within it His love does live
Wendell A. Brown
Dear brother Wendell,
Thank you very much for reading and gave a beautiful comment on my post. Very up lifting. Also thank you for your beautiful thought about love. Many blessings to you and have a great day 🙂
Karina, you are a daughter of God who embodies such a humble heart. You are right – our gifts, our abilities, our blessings are all from Him, and it is He who deserves all glory. Bless you for this gentle yet important reminder that God is the source, the Root from which our branches grow.
Dear sis Susan,
Your comment really encouraged me. Thank you so much for taking time reading my post. God bless you abundantly 🙂
Hi Karina
I have such a new found respect for Joshua now. I never seen how humble he was and yes, he had every reason to boast and be prideful but he wasn’t. He kept his eyes on God and he remembered who the real savior was. This was a really great post,,,,it really spoke to me.
God bless
Rolain
Dear brother Rolain,
Thank you very much for reading and for the nice comment. Yes we could learn from figure of Joshua for his humbleness:) Blessings in Christ.
Very nice, Karina. I’m sure you are praying for your old friend. I have known many others over the years like this whose heart The Lord changed. Let’s pray that He will in her heart as well. Nice job!!!😀
Hello brother Levi,
Amen! Let we pray not only for my old friend but also to us and others in order to always have humbleness in our heart. Thank you for your lovely comment 🙂 many love and blessings in Christ.
My pleasure, Karina. Lord bless you and your husband!!😀
Loved your post today! It is so easy for success of any kind to go to our heads. This is a wonderful reminder that everything comes from Him- and we are to use it all to glorify Him! Blessings to you!
Dear sis Julie,
Thank you so much for reading my post:) I am so blessed you loved this post. Yes from Him and back to Him for His glory alone. Amen. Many blessings to you 🙂
It is so easy to get caught up in success and forget where it really came from and where the glory belongs… to God. Great post today Karina, God bless you,
Dear sis T,
Thank you so much for your lovely comment 🙂 All we have is only from Him and back for his glory! Blessings in Christ.
Amen. I think each of us have to always introspective and preserve our heart earnestly, because every human have an arrogant tendency. A good reminding 🙂
Dear sis Sella,
Thank you so much for your very nice comment. Yes I absolutely agree with you. We have to always make an introspection in or order to not fall dawn in the valley of arrogance. But when we always aware and focus to God that everything we have are came and given by God, we could avoid a tendency to be arrogant and always living in humility 🙂 Thank you and blessings in Christ.
Beautiful post Karina. Thank you kindly for following my blog too. I pray that God will continue to use you to bring light and comfort to many on the web.
Dear sister in Christ, Naomi..
You are much welcome. Thank you so much for taking time to reading my post and gave a lovely comment also for your prayer. Many love and blessings to you.
Again Karina, your teaching is clear and wonderful – full of grace and truth. Thank you. Do you mind if I reblog at Another Red Letter Day?
Dear brother in Christ Ben,
Thank you so much for reading my post and gave an encouraging comment. It is being a great honor to me if you want to reblog. Yes please feel free. Just pray to God my this post will be useful and blessing to others. Thank you very much for your kindness. Many blessings to you, brother Ben.
Reblogged this on Another Red Letter Day and commented:
I am pleased to share this wonderful teaching form my sister from across the globe.
SO Beautiful 🙂
Blessings and Peace to you 🙂
Dear Morgan,
Thank you so much for visiting and reading my post 🙂 Blessings.
Karina,
Such a great post! What a wonderful reminder to us to always remember the source of everything we have and everything we’ve achieved.
Also, thanks so much for following my blog. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and even like some things that stood out to you. I hope you enjoy it. I’d love to hear your thoughts and insight on what you read!
Your friend and brother,
Christian
http://christiansbrain.wordpress.com
Dear brother in Christ Christian,
Thank you very much for reading and commenting my post:) You have a great blog so there is no reason to not follow you. I do believe I could learn so much from your awesome blog. Regularly I will visit and reading you great posts 🙂 Blessings in Christ.
Karina
Wow! I’m honored by your kind words. Please do visit and feel free to comment or ask any questions you might have. I love a good discussion. 🙂
It is True Karina there worldly pride and wisdom is promoted by self not The Holy Spirit, there is a difference between Godly Pride and Wisdom and fleshy worldly pride and it’s wisdom, this is why we must put our Carnal flesh to death by The Spirit (Romans8) and seek and ask for God’s wisdom.
If we believe we have God’s wisdom having asked for it, we do have the Truth and it will be confirmed in Scripture, if not it is our own understanding. When we have God’s wisdom we also have His knowledge, reasoning and logic even as we are still learning and we can have assurance that what we share is right and this is not arrogance or fleshy pride but is walking in obedience because we are standing up for God’s Truth even if it is rejected by others and we are rejected too.
Godly Pride is talked about in the Scriptures too, (see below) we are to have Godly Pride but not worldly pride , to have Godly Love for oneself is to take Pride in our position in Christ Jesus.
What Worldly pride is…
Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
1 John 2:15- 17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the Pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
What Godly Pride is …
Galatians 6: 4 Each one should understand their own actions. Then they can take Pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to others.
2 Corinthians 8:24 show these men the proof of your Love and the reason for our Pride in you, so that the Churches can see it.
2 Corinthians 5:11-12 Because we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. It is plain to God what we are, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are giving you an opportunity to take Pride in us not trying to commend ourselves again to you , so that you have an answer for those who take Pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
Romans 11:13b I take Pride in my Ministry.
As a Christian I also take Godly Pride in my Ministry to those who are in darkness, and rejoice with those who are not as I’m sure you do too Karina as all those who Love the Lord and share His Truth do.
Christian Love from both of us – Anne.
Dear sis Anne,
Thank you so much for reading and giving me another thought on my post. It will be my another lesson. Also thank you for the important bible verses 🙂 many blessings to you and have a great day.
Hi Karina,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
How very important it is for all of us to serve our Lord with a Godly type of humility. When we understand “without Christ we can do nothing” it helps us to understand that we have nothing to boast in and of ourselves. Our only boast is found in Christ and all He does for us.
Lord bless you! Thanks for the blessing.
Dear Brother Rob,
First of all, I would like to say thank you for giving great thought. Yes I do agree with you that if we are understand “without Christ we can’t do nothing” we could keep focus to God and always aware that there is no reason for us to boast ourselves. Thank you so much for your great thought 🙂 oh by the way, till now I still learn many thing through your posts. And I always save it all for my study. Thank you for your important and valuable posts,brother Rob. Many blessings to you and have a great day.
This is such a convicting piece. Followers of Christ, myself most of all, forget so easily how much the Lord has done for us, and because of this, we become quick to exalt ourselves. I just finished reading Genesis through Joshua and am currently in Judges, and the more I read it, the more I realize that things haven’t really changed much for people. We should take the time we have, if we are seen by others, to remember what Jesus did for us and show them how much He shines even when we were at our worst. We should be excited, and if we should take pride in anything, brag about anyone it should be Him. If you know the hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us,” then you know what I mean. Keep your light shining! 🙂
Hello dear friend,
Thank you so much for reading my post also gave a beautiful thought. Talk about the hymn song that you mentioned, yes it song is one of my fave hymn song too. Beautiful and meaningful song. Once again, thank you for very beautiful thought, dear friend. Many love and blessings to you. Have a great day.
God has been taking me through humility over the past few weeks. we may have great skill but that skill comes from Him and not us! awesome post!
Hello there,
Thank you so much for taking time reading my post and for the nice comment 🙂 Thank you and blessings. Have a great day.
A very excellent reminder in humility. Thanks for sharing.
Dear brother in Christ Tom,
You are welcome. Thank you for reading my post:) Blessings
Beautiful post Karina. What you described here happened to me too, when I met up with a friend again after many years. It was a big shock to see my sweet friend so altered and was almost like a slap in the face. I heard author Frank Peretti describing something very much like this recently. If God has gifted you with strength, it is to defend the weak. If God has gifted you with ‘smart’ it’s to help the ‘not-so-smart’. Yes, definitely, all is a gift FROM Him to be used FOR Him and to give joy to others.
Hello my dear,
Thank you very much for your beautiful comment 🙂 I love the statement of Frank Peretti, If God has gifted you with strength, it is to defend the weak. If God has gifted you with ‘smart’ it’s to help the not-so-smart. Thank you for always reading my post 🙂 many love and blessings to you, my dear.
Reblogged this on The Hunt FOR Truth and commented:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Philippians 2:3)
Wonderful words of encouragement, a reminder in humility. Thank you for this post. Blessings
Hello there,
Thank you so much for taking time to visit and reading my blog post. I really appreciate it. Also thank you for the lovely comment. Blessings to you.
Karina
Sis – what a great reminder of the value of humility. I hope she remembers your conversation and wants to change one day. Blessings to you.
Thank you so much, sis:) yes I hope and pray that one day she wants to change. Blessings to you too, sis.
Check out my blog at peaceduringthejourney.wordpress.com
Thank you for Introducing your blog. I will be there soon 🙂 Blessings.
Karina, thank you for your post. We often lose sight of the fact that the way to exaltation leads downward, and that tooting our horn is really an admission of an omission. This is God’s counsel to us in the Scriptures you have quoted above.
Hello there,
Thank you very much for taking time visiting my blog, reading and gave a lovely comment on my post. I really appreciate it. Many blessings to you.
Enjoying the company of my wife, friends and neighbors and whatever activities we share– or don’t share… and seeing the light of another day is far more a success story than money can buy. Peace.
Thank you fo reading and commenting my post, my friend 🙂 Blessings to you.
Good Message, King Solomon also has a proverb to remind us that those who think the world can be bent to the shape of their plans will discover a moment of shattering when they collide with the will of God.
Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.(Proverb 18:12)
Regards and good will blogging.
Hello dear,
Thank you for reading my post and gave me a wonderful Bible verse which talk about humility. The verse will be my pondering 🙂 Thank you and blessings.
Amen, Karina. By the way, you model humility for us all very well!
Dear sis Sue,
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, sis 🙂 I have learned about humility from you as well. You are my inspiration 🙂 Blessings to you,sis.
😊
This is wonderful!! Thank you so much for spreading God’s word and God’s love.
You are welcome:) thank you for reading my post 🙂 Blessings.
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This lesson is completely contrary to the message our culture sends us. Scripture instructs us to give all glory to God. Yet we are bombarded by worldly images praising the rich and famous. Even some Christian ministers preach a “prosperity” gospel that focuses on worldly success. As you say, whatever success we do attain is through God’s will alone. Bless you, Karina.
Dear sister Anna,
Thank you very much for reading and also your insightful comment. Yes indeed, many people only thinking about worldly images and it makes self boasting. Once again thank you for your lovely comment, sis. Have a blessed day.
Wise advice, worth considering again and again. I hope you had a wonderful vacation, Karina! ❤
Dear sister, Anna
Thank you very much for spent your time to read again my post 🙂 I am so sorry just reply your text right now..God bless, sister.
This is a message greatly needed by our materialistic culture. ❤
hello, Sister Anna.
Thank you very much for your good comment. God Bless you, sister.