These days, it seems that the most important letter in the alphabet is "i."  The world revolves around ME!  Not only are we obsessed with pleasing ourselves, but we have a driving desire to be noticed.  We crave the spotlight.  Some people minimize the problem by referring to this issue of self-centeredness as "self-esteem" or a "healthy ego," but all too often, this self-focus can more accurately be described using the biblical terms of "pride" and "conceit."  

On today's Footsteps, Pete Walker quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV):

"Thus says the LORD: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who pracitices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.  For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.'"

Let me add two more passages of Scripture for us to consider today:

"God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.  And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the LORD.'" (1 Corinthians 1:28-31, ESV)

"But he gives more grace.  Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6, ESV)

So, let us cast aside our self-important, arrogant, and prideful attitudes and actions, and instead, let us humble ourselves before our gracious God and boast in Him!

Click here for a link to Pete Walker's web page

Click here to listen to Footsteps' Latest Program

Click here to visit Footsteps

(Photo of Pete Walker)