
Arrogance is such an ugly word and it is an even uglier attitude. I am ashamed to say that I have allowed this word to become my reality far too many times in my life and living. It is one of those things that can creep up on you before you even realize it’s there. Arrogance puts you in a place of looking down on others even when you are beneath them. It is a very unrealistic view of self and others that causes us to elevate self and lower others.
Most would say that the opposite of arrogance is humility, but we have to be careful with that one, because it is way too easy to have a humility that is fake, counterfeit and not real, which is an even greater form of arrogance.
Philippians 2:3-4 “3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
The reality is that we are all the creation of God and God has given each of us our own unique gifts, talents and blessings. God’s love, grace and power flow into each of our lives and as we learn to live in humility, it flows through our lives to others and brings us a fulfillment like nothing else can.
We have to be very careful not to become arrogant and think of ourselves, better, smarter or more valuable than others. We also have to be careful not to get caught up in a fake humility that does not take into account the value that God in us, places on each one of us. Either extreme is dangerous and keeps us from experiencing the miraculous power we were created in and for.
Take some time today to think about who you are in God as you think about God in you. Also take time to recognize who others are in God and honor God in them. There is a fine line between humility and arrogance and on that line we discover purpose, power and peace…