Religious arrogance is perhaps the worst arrogance of all. We come to expect an arrogance from the lost and ungodly. We expect to see arrogance from those rich in the things of the world who are poor in the things of God. But arrogance has no place among those who profess Christ. Paul calls the believers at Rome to “consider” something. The Greek word means much more than simply to give casual thought. The word in Greek means to weigh so as to see with understanding and depth of meaning. Weigh carefully both the kindness and the sternness of God. Think with depth and understanding about both His grace and His Law. See with knowledge both His mercy and His justice. Give careful thought to these things and realize that were it not for the mercy and grace of God in Christ, we would be judged, sentenced and dispatched! There is no place for arrogance when we are near to God, only humble prayer. Consider with understanding the sternness of God for those who fall, but also the kindness expressed to us in Christ in spite of our sin. If we ever forget and begin to think that we are better than others because we have somehow been more diligent or faithful, religious or observant, then, we also will be cut off for this is not the way to peace with God! There is no joy in the judgments of God. No place for gloating. No triumphalism in His Kingdom. Whenever we observe the condemned sinner, whether condemned to die for a heinous crime or simply condemned to the misery of a selfish life, we are wise always to know that there, but for the grace of God, go I. And when we encounter the soul that us “hell-bent” -- that is bent upon making their destiny hell-- there is no joy anywhere in heaven over that tragedy! And if we think so, we are far out of touch from the heart of God. No. The heart of God grieves for the lost soul. Why? Because that is the most expensive soul, one upon which the blood of Jesus, His Son, may be wasted. God is grieved and this is the heart we must capture. People often wonder why the revival of God is slow in coming. Perhaps it is this very thing. Spiritual arrogance. The arrogance that misses the heart of God and fails to grieve for the lost. The arrogance that thinks itself better. Perhaps the great evangelist D.T. Niles said it best: “Evangelism is nothing more than one beggar telling another beggar where to get bread.” What are you doing today? Let’s help some other beggars find some bread. Lord, forgive my arrogance. Give me Your heart for the lost. Give me the bread of life, I beg of You. Give me the grace to show others where they may find bread. In Jesus’ name. < < < < < < < < < < < < © Jeffrey D. Hoy 2013 Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA) 2820 Business Center Blvd. Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200 Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SUBSCRIPTIONS - To receive the Words of Faith devotion five days a week, send an E-mail message addressed to [email protected].
Posted on: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 11:23:36 +0000
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