I’m preaching a couple of messages out of the book of James this month – he points out the pitfalls of pride in the Christian and thus the Church. He contrasts the vacant ‘wisdom’ that the world has to offer with the true wisdom that comes from heaven.
Wisdom says: “My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.”
Proverbs 8:7
Wisdom says: “My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness” Proverbs 8:7
I’m preaching a couple of messages out of the book of James this month – he points out the pitfalls of pride in the Christian and thus the Church. He contrasts the vacant ‘wisdom’ that the world has to offer with the true wisdom that comes from heaven. He then shows the troubles that occur in the local church when we let ego have its way. Hasn’t every church elder, pastor, youth leader or care group leader tried to work around touchy egos that can light a firestorm in the church?
You can’t study the book of James without some personal soul searching! Am I part of the problem or part of the solution? I recently had a blow to my own ego, and I had to sit back and ask myself – am I willing to be humbled or will I rise up and fight? Good question, knowing that the sin of pride has deep sixed more than one church. May I suggest that this question of willingness to be humbled is an appropriate one for you too, oh pilgrim. Proverbs reminds us: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” 11:2.
In reading Edward Gibbons’ “Decline and fall of the Roman empire”, he pointed out “…the misfortune of a monarch, from whom a venal tribe of courtiers perpetually labor to conceal the truth.”
How we need to know the truth and be humble enough to hear it – first from the Lord and then from brothers and sisters who love us. Paul reminds us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) – it is as we do so that we grow up in all things into Him who is the Head – that is Christ.
So – earnest Encounter person – check your sinful ego at the door and let the Spirit speak!
Pastor Leon Throness
