Arrogance

“I got this" are potentially three of the most harmful words a believer could say.

At the core of these words we see a reliance upon self and not upon anything else. Arrogance has a way of showing up in our lives, particularly in the areas we are most fluent in. As we grow in knowledge about a given topic, the more opportunities there are for arrogance to manifest itself.

As I was reflecting on this, I immediately thought of a time when I was on an all-star baseball team as a kid. During the biggest tournament of the year, we started off with a bang, winning games in what felt like effortless ease. In fact, after one victory, we were even singing “We are the Champions” in the parking lot. The spanking we took in the subsequent games is something I will never forget.

You see, arrogance has a way of masking any of the good qualities we have since others are not able to get past that core issue. As I thought about how to surrender arrogance in my life, I remembered how James tells us that we must do what God's Word instructs, no matter the cost.

Perhaps it could be as simple as recognizing that God “has this” at all times. As long as we are seeking Him and being obedient as sons and daughters of the King, that would be a great place to start. Surrendering arrogance appears to happen the most naturally for me when I prioritize God’s Word in my life and obey whatever He has called me to do. That is easier said than done. But perhaps with a bit of tenacity and determination to follow His commands at all times, it will be a great way to replace arrogance with wisdom, which has far more intrinsic value for every believer.

Questions to Consider

1. Where does arrogance show up most frequently in your Christian journey?
2. What is one practical way you could begin taking steps of obedience in doing what the Holy Spirit wants you to do?