OVERCOMING ARROGANCE

ARROGANCE

One of the coping mechanisms many of us use when dealing with low-self-esteem and the humiliation of our past failures is the mask of arrogance. 

We work so hard to cover up our shame that we no longer are in touch with what is real and needs to be dealt with.

We all are a mixture of strengths and weaknesses and in His love, God wants us to come to a realistic assessment of ourselves.

Don’t think that you are better than you really are. You must see yourself just as you are. Decide what you are by the faith God has given each of us. 

Romans 12:3b

Arrogance is the steel-hard resistance supporting denial that blames and excuses ourselves as we continue to think that our problems are created by the actions of others.  Arrogance also says “I don’t need anyone else.  I can do this on my own.” 

God’s Word counters this perspective with these words: 

People who think they are wise when they are not are worse than fools. 

Proverbs 26:12

God is against the proud, but he is kind to the humble. 

James 4:6b

Healthy living requires us to take responsibility for our actions and reactions.  In humility we need to see ourselves as we are.  We also need the grace of God to see others’ flaws and gifts and recognize that all of us are on a level playing field where we need each other and have good gifts to share with each other.

Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else. 

Romans 12:16

How wonderful when we can lay down our ego, reject all the grandiose thinking we’ve been relying on that hasn’t gotten us very far and embrace the truth that with God’s help and the support of others, we truly can live each day well. 

Loving God, we want to live in truth.  Thank you for the particular mixture of strengths and weaknesses that makes each of us unique.  We lay down our masks, particularly arrogance and grandiose thinking and humbly put our trust in You to help us recognize both our character strengths and defects. 

Teach us to love others as You love us.  We want to be the persons You created us to be.  Amen