A different view of "arrogance"

Proverbs 21:4 A conceited look and an arrogant attitude, which are the lamps of wicked people, are sins.

It is amazing how much truth can be crammed into one sentence. Solomon was amazing ad doing exactly that: Putting many nuggets of truth into simple statements that even children can grasp. Most people can see the surface point of this verse... and we can put at least two or three faces to the term "arrogant attitude" : from televangelists to relatives.

But "arrogance" isn't what caught my attention... at least not directly. This is what caught my attention today: Sin -- that which separates us from God and directs us off-target in life. But here we can see that an attitude or even a look can be a sin. God not only wants to direct what we do but how we do them, and with the right attitude... right down to the expression on our face.

There is room for giving credit where credit is due in a person's life. But is your pride the lamp of your life? What is your attitude toward God and others? Is your arrogance the only way you can shine?

I had to ask myself these questions. At first, it seemed straight forward. Not at all. I try my best to treat people with respect. But then God stepped in. It is more than just about how you treat people. It has just as much to do with how you treat stuff...

Let's take tithing for an example. Does God need your money? Of course not! American, Canadian, German or any other cash doesn't spend in heaven. It's just paper and metal bits. It's not the action of placing or promising cash into a church's coffers that comprises a "tithe". It is the attitude of the heart when that action is performed. We all have heard that, and many of us understand the concept. Tithing is not about the money, it's about the heart. Money is just the tool for extracting a willing, obedient heart. If you don't understand this, hold on to your wallet and seek out scripture until you do. Otherwise, you're just wasting your money and becoming more bitter over your "lost cash flow" with each day.

Now, I need to apply that same thought to other aspects of my life. "I don't need to do a quiet time today." Am I so perfect that I don't need God's word and instruction and peace in my life? Now that is arrogant! A quiet time is not about TIME... How I use my time is just the tool for extracting a willing, obedient heart.

How about my job? Do I need someplace to go 8 to 12 hours a day in order to "be a good person?" Not at all. I would be a fool to think that my job performance makes me a good person. It is God that refines me to who I am, not what I do for employment. My job is not about where I spend my day... My job is just a tool for extracting a willing, obedient heart.

God, please forgive me for being so arrogant. Forgive me of my sin of pride, and allow me to lead my family in the way I need to. Give me the wisdom to know that the items of this world are of no consequence to you, other than the provision of your love to your people. They are merely tools for extracting our wills, and exposing them to ourselves so we can be the people you want us to be.

Where are you with God? Is there an aspect of your life that God is trying to use to extract a willing and obedient heart? Money? Job? Family? Time? Lifestyle? Sexuality? Get quiet with God and let him direct you about those things he wants to sculpt you with. Let Him extract from the deepest part of you those things that will make you pleasing to Him.

To do less is sheer arrogance -- and a sin.