People who do great things and become famous during their lifetimes are sometimes called “legends in their own time”. A friend who played football at international level says he met many people in the world of sport who were only “legends in their own mind”.

Our pride has a way of puffing up how we see ourselves; we start thinking we’re the best thing ever! But humility means we see ourselves as we really are, with all our strengths and weaknesses.

The writer of Proverbs said, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (16:18). Seeing ourselves as better than we really are, or at least better than everyone else, can lead us to bigger problems as it makes us more selfish and distant with our friends.

The answer to our pride is the humility that comes from knowing God. Jesus explained, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…” (MATT. 20:26). There is nothing wrong with enjoying success. The challenge is to stay focused on Jesus, who wants us to follow and fully rely on Him, not ourselves.

By: David Cook

To Pray About . . .

Lord Jesus, give us Your humility as we talk with others today. May we keep our eyes on You in all we say and do.