How many of you have been defeated by your pride?
Failing to heed the Lord’s warning. Pride comes before destruction and an arrogant spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:18-19
Not the Proverbs 31 woman! Knowing the Lord’s wisdom empowers one to live a life of excellence. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom. The teaching of kindness is on her tongue, giving counsel and instruction. Proverbs 31:26
The Proverbs 31 woman knows she does not have all the answers. Unlike Pharisees, who considered themselves superior to their fellow man. Dismissing anyone who dares to disagree with them as misinformed or uneducated.
Frequently criticized by Jesus for arrogance and hypocrisy. The Pharisees believed the Messiah would be a military leader. Freeing Israel from centuries of oppression and slavery.
Not so said Jesus. God’s Kingdom on earth transforms individuals. It is a revolution of the heart, not a military offensive.
This offended the Pharisees because it undermined their authority. Religious training and adherence to the Law were not the benchmarks of holiness.
Jesus also condemned the Pharisees for their attitude of religious superiority. All people, including the chosen people of God were to humble themselves and serve everyone, Jew or not.
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be serve but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:43-45
Adding insult to injury. Jesus proclaimed repentance, not Jewish ancestry was how one entered the Kingdom of God.
Refusing to accept these teachings. The Pharisees perceived Jesus as a threat to their way of life. Fearing His teachings would undermine their image and influence. The Pharisees plotted against Him. Willing to do whatever was necessary to preserve THEIR interpretation of God’s Truth.
Do not be like the Pharisees! Humble yourself.
Re-gift your life— your heart, relationships, finances, dreams, everything! Wrap these gifts in love and gratefulness and lay them at the feet of King Jesus. In return, He promises to treat each gift as His own. Protecting it by keeping it out of satan’s hands.
Be a VOICE in the deafening sound of sameness!
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