Verse: Proverbs 16:18, Luke 14:11, Romans 12:10
Arrogance is not just a behavioral issue but a character deficit, a heart issue. It's an attitude that elevates self above others and above God. In Proverbs 16:18, we're warned that "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Arrogance is a precursor to destruction. It's a red flag warning us of impending spiritual danger.
In Luke 14:11, Jesus teaches us to take the lowest seat, not the highest. Arrogance reverses this principle, seeking to exalt self above others. It's a heart that says, "I deserve the best, I'm better than others."
Romans 12:10 reminds us to "love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Arrogance does the opposite, seeking to outdo others in self-promotion and self-glory.
Arrogance is a symptom of a heart that has forgotten its dependence on God. It's a sign of spiritual amnesia, forgetting that we are dust and deserve no glory. Arrogance separates us from God and others, leading to isolation and spiritual decay.
Let's examine our hearts:
* Do we listen more than we speak?
* Do we seek to honor others or just ourselves?
* Are we quick to boast or quick to humble ourselves?
Let's remember that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Let's repent of arrogance and ask God to transform our hearts. May our behavior be marked by humility, love, and honor for others. May our character reflect Christ's, who humbled Himself for our sake.
I want to address a subtle yet pervasive sin that can creep into our language and relationships. Arrogant speech is not just about using big words or boasting about accomplishments, but it's an attitude of the heart that elevates self above others and above God.
In Luke 14:11, Jesus teaches us to take the lowest seat, not the highest, so that God may exalt us. Arrogant speech reverses this principle, seeking to exalt self above others. James 1:26 warns us that "if anyone thinks he is religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his own heart and this person’s religion is worthless." Our speech reveals our heart's condition.
Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Arrogant speech is a symptom of pride, and it can lead us down a path of destruction.
Let's examine our hearts and tongues. Are we quick to boast, belittle others, or assume superiority? Do we listen more than we speak? Do we seek to build others up or only ourselves?
As followers of Christ, we are called to humility. Humility is not a sign of weakness it's a sign of fruits of Holy Spirit. Let us remember that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. May our speech be seasoned with salt and grace, and may our words build up, not tear down. Let us crucify arrogance and pride, and instead, boast in the Lord and His work in our lives.
As we leave, let's commit to speaking with humility, loving others more than ourselves, and esteeming others better than ourselves. May our words bring life, not death, and may our speech bring glory to God alone. Amen.
