Do you ever have something happen to you like the winning shot, a higher grade, or a great job title? It brings you up and you feel approval. Hubris may even make you feel better than others. Nebuchadnezzar had the job title of king and felt pride in reading the book of Daniel in a book from SS class. Arrogance is not the way was the lesson that the king learned when God allowed him to have a neuroimaging malfunction. He possibly had boanthropy and thought he was a cow and ate grass for years per the book. Maybe you feel relief or gratitude though when something wonderful happens. That is good. Thank God for these moments and be humble, not boastful.
On the other hand, maybe it wasn’t your best day and you experienced loss and feel like a failure now. Maybe you missed that shot. Don’t let one moment define you. The phrase, “one moment defines you,” is a lie from the devil. Do not live in regret or anger, or worry for the future. Negative thoughts can lead to hurt emotions and can make you feel bad. Don’t trust pesky thoughts that lead to feelings of insecurity about yourself. “Don’t let fear” [of the future or of measuring up] “disrupt your obedience” [or joy]. “Trust God” because “God is approachable” (pastor’s sermon this weekend).
Sin is focusing inwardly on ourselves, and you can’t know God if you’re full of pride (paraphrase from our SS book and sermon). Know God is for you and has a good plan for your life. He wants us to love Him with our whole heart and put others first. With God-focus, you can claim victory no matter what the outcome is of a game or job or struggle. In the end, God always wins. He has the victory. “Put on His spirit today.” Walk in His word. Micah 6:8. Have God-focus in all the ups and downs.
Sincerely,
Faithfriends
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