Who Is The Greatest ?
Dr. Thamsing Lamkang *
I suppose many have seen or heard the world's two largest universities Oxford and Cambridge. The universities have the highest levels of 'boat race' competition every year.
But did you know that this world-famous race doesn't have a prize? Other than the pride of winning the race! So the rowers take time off their studies and spend days, weeks and months training just to get one up on the other university. These people are dedicated and driven. They just want to win the race. They're proud of their universities, and that's it!
But the Bible says that pride was the main cause of man's first sin. The desired to be like God led to disobedience. Even today many people are driven to all lengths in their pursuit of superiority over others. Even the spiritual institutions (church) are becoming more competent, not in Kingdom building business but rather in building their own church and denominational kingdom.
Some people say they're not proud, really? Then why say it? Those who say, for whatever reason, they want nothing to do with God are revealing their pride! Those who think they can get to heaven by their good works are relying on their own opinion of themselves as 'good person.' Conversely, those who think that they are so, so bad can suffer from a twisted pride that says. 'My sin is too bad for Jesus to sort out.' But they're still saying they're better than others: better at sinning!
Here is a test for you; get your Bible and turn to the book of Proverbs. It's not a very long book. Read it through now if you can but if not, do as soon as possible jotting down the references to pride and how they refer to you. I wonder what God wants to teach you as you keep on reading everyday!
Here's a short list to get you thinking; we show we are proud when;
- We don't accept other people's arguments because we know we're always right.
- We belittle people because we know we're better than them (instance for having more possessions or skills).
- We want to do things by ourselves without any help from others. Thank you very much and that goes for God too!
- We desire praise and back-slapping and love every minute of it; but at the same time we feign humility and we pull faces that say 'well, what else could I do?'
So be careful! A bit of personal glory can quickly go to our heads and make us proud.
It is a foolish thing indeed to be proud. 'Whoever exalts himself be humbled' – the Bible.
* Dr. Thamsing Lamkang wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer is a Pastor at Sports Resource Center (SRC) Dimapur and can be contacted at thams20009(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk
This article was webcasted on November 07 2012.
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