Pastor's Power Points

On This One I Will Look

 Man’s deceitful heart tends to lead him toward self-exaltation. You will become like God was the original distortion of truth from an arrogant deceiver.  We are born self-preeminent – a fact of which no parent needs reminding. The trait is so prevalent in the human race that Scripture repeatedly champions the virtue of humility while indicting the vice of pride. A proud look is something God hates because it is, ultimately, self-exaltation against Him. Solomon summed it up correctly when he said: When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. “Pride” is an exaggerated sense of self-importance where one asserts his own will.  “Shame” is disgrace and ignominy. The root of this word signifies a lowering of one’s social position. This presents a significant contrast to today’s fixation with self-esteem. While some proclaim it as the “highest virtue” it is hardly arguable that Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein and Usama Bin Laden struggle(d) with low self-esteem.

Along with strong warnings against self-exaltation (i.e. Lk. 18:14; Rom. 12:3) the Scriptures reveal the remedy for this plague in the human race.  It is a divine requirement but is presented most often as an invitation: What does the Lord require of you, but…to walk humbly with your God.  Knowledge of one’s true stance before holy, infinite God is required of all who are to seek Him (see Prov. 15:33). The wisdom that results from such humility is to make the human will subject to the divine purpose.  The humble are rewarded with wisdom because their disposition fits them to receive grace and God’s gifts. Jesus’ opening statement in His most noted sermon was: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Should we not surrender our arrogance in building our fleeting empires, for this humility that inherits the eternal kingdom?  On this one I will look, says the holy and infinite Creator, on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.

 See also Ps. 51:17;  Prov. 16:18;  26:12;  Isa. 57:15;  Matt. 18:1-4; Luke 14:11; 
   Phil. 2:3;  James 4:6