The Sin of Arrogance

In the message “Give Him All The Glory” we considered how Joseph recognized his ability to interpret dreams was only by God’s grace; “God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires” (Genesis 41:16). We were also reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7), and the words of Jesus, “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Giving all glory to God reflects an understanding of who we are in Christ and, more importantly, who He is in us!

As we see the multitude of sin in the world today, which causes such pain, we must be reminded that all sin can be traced to pride and a lack of humility. All sin is rooted in arrogance, a self-exaltation where we think of ourselves and our abilities more highly than we should, and, in the end, we attempt to elevate ourselves above God.

James wrote about this arrogance when he said, “do not slander one another” (James 4:11). He said when we are unfairly critical of others we not only disobey God’s law of love, but we are actually speaking against God’s law and sitting in judgment over the law – and there is only one Judge! (James 4:11-12). Willful disobedience involves elevating ourselves to the throne of God and judging which of His truths apply to our life. This is the ultimate arrogance!

Isaiah 14:13-15
“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.”

This passage may be referring to Satan, or an earthly king in the time of Isaiah. It may also have a dual interpretation. Either way, the passage clearly details the true heart of pride as well as the end result for such a heart. Isaiah is warning us all about the danger of attempting to raise ourselves to the level of God. After all, this temptation is what caused the fall of all mankind in the Garden of Eden; “when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God” (Genesis 3:5).

We must continue to examine our heart and aggressively cut away all areas of pride before they infect and contaminate our whole being. Can we ever get rid of all pride? Can we ever cease all sin? I don’t believe we can! But I know that on the day we see Him face to face, we will be fully transformed, fully glorified, and fully able to praise Him for all eternity. Until the day He calls us home, we must continually say, “He must become greater, I must become less” (John 3:30). Until that day, we must diligently battle the sin of arrogance.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries