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 ERV)
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.
Healthy recovery 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.
People who think they are wise when they are not are worse than fools. God is against the proud, but he is kind to the humble. (Proverbs 26:12, James 4:6b ERV)
Prayer: Loving God, I want to live in truth. I lay down my masks, particularly arrogance and grandiose thinking and humbly put my trust in You to help me recognize my character defects. Teach me to love others as You love me. I want to be the person You created me to be. Amen
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