#BibleStudy Expressions of Faith. Counter-Culture Thinking. James 1
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wildflower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
James 1:9-11
Expressing your pride in what you’ve accomplished is the norm in today’s society.
Of course, not all pride is bad.
- Taking pride in your work is commendable.
- James says that common people, “in humble circumstances,” should be proud of the high position as a believer in Christ.
The pride James condemns is more arrogance than anything else.
- Owning the newest car, the biggest house, and the latest technology simply because you can, is this kind of pride.
He reminds the rich that the ultimate equalizers, death and decay, are not going to pass them by and encourages the rich to be proud of the humility they need to show through their lives.
- When you lack humility, you fade away from God “even while [you] go about your business.”
What happens when humility and pride are in balance?
A life lived in balance pleases God
and blesses those in the family of God.
Express Your Faith this Week
Pray every day. Ask God to show you a way to take the right kind of pride in what you do and what happens to you.
Think. When have you been “righteously proud? When have you shown arrogant pride?
Do. Fill in the two columns in the table below. Then,
a) write a note to God, explaining how you feel about your lists. Thank Him for the good pride. Ask forgiveness for the arrogant pride. OR
b) Write a note apologizing to someone who’s been negatively impacted by your pride. OR
c) Write a note to someone whose life is an example of humble pride that pleases God. If you pick b) or c) consider sending the note to the person you wrote to.
Righteous Pride
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Arrogant Pride
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My Note
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