[1 John Series 8] The Pull Of Materialism And PrideSample

The Pride of Life

Middle-aged men and women are advised to take regular stress tests to make sure their heart is going well. If we put electrodes on our spiritual chests to measure the health of our heart as we run the race of life, when would they beep? They would beep when we are boasting in the pride of life.

The boastful pride of life is basically a desire to impress. How many of us would do what we do if there were nobody else to see it? Would you iron your shirt or get dressed up if you lived on a dessert island? Probably not. We do a lot of this for everybody else.

We know what we have and what we do. But sometimes, we love to sneak in certain things into the conversation to bolster up our insecurities. This is a sign that we are gauging our worth by comparison to others, that we are seeking to please others instead of God. 

We should lift up our eyes and see the value that God has given us, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God has positioned us where we are and has given us abilities and gifts. Be true to yourself and be the best you can be for Jesus. Live in the new nature and clothe yourself in Christ. Let your eyes be set on the things above, not on the things of this world. If we let God do great things through us, this will make a huge difference.

God will put you in the place He needs you to be. Esther ended up in the palace, but she had a purpose there. Did God put you in a palace? Good, but don’t get so used to life in the palace that you will never live anywhere else. And if you are not in the palace, don’t get bitter thinking that everyone in the palace must be a bad person. You don’t know what God is doing in their life, how they got there, or why. We need to love Jesus enough so that we can be anywhere to glorify God. When you restrict yourself to what is familiar and comfortable, that ends up being a problem. That will negate missional living in your life.

At the same time, if you can be in a place that you are not used to, either up or down in society, and shine for Jesus, then you are able to glorify God anywhere you go.