Ep. 299 - How to Avoid Arrogance

Arrogance is a very real issue, and King Nebuchadnezzar serves as a prime example. He was the wealthiest man on the planet, warned by Daniel about his pride, yet he refused to turn from it. We can all relate to the temptation of arrogance. There’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance, often found in the pathways of forgetfulness. Nebuchadnezzar took credit for his accomplishments rather than giving glory to God. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind Christians that in reality, everything we have comes from God. Without Him, we are incapable of true success.

Unbelievers often claim God hasn’t given them anything, but even their minds, ears, and breath are gifts from Him. Believers and unbelievers alike often act like we are self-sufficient, yet we have a beginning because we have a Creator. Life is a mystery to unbelievers, but the Bible tells us our purpose. When we lose control, we should turn to the Lord. If you think you are wise, you are a fool. You can either trust in yourself or recognize your need for wisdom. True wisdom begins with humility. There’s a direct link between our hearts and our demeanor; arrogance must go when life humbles us. The cross, above all, humbles us. It shows us that our deepest need is reconciliation to God—a need we cannot meet on our own. 

Self-examination is the antidote to self-deception, helping us recalibrate our hearts. Looking to cross reminds us that we can’t save ourselves. All of life is a gift from God, and arrogance blinds us to this truth. When we forget God, we often become rude, insensitive, and self-sufficient. Arrogance doesn’t pray because it feels no need for help. When we finally see the danger in pride, we will ask God for help. Arrogance, by removing God from the equation, leads to self-idolatry. Hell is God giving us over to the desires of our hearts. Everyone must recognize their need for God and continually turn to Him in life, so they have Him for eternity.

To think we are anything without God is lunacy. He created us in His image, for the purpose of knowing Him and making Him known. Sin itself is a form of arrogance, a defiance of God’s plan. It invites the enemy into our lives and our families. Atheism, in many ways, is the epitome of arrogance, fueled by a lack of fear of the Lord. Even those who don’t think they are arrogant often reveal their arrogance in that very belief. Surround yourself with people who will speak into your life and hold you accountable. As Christians, we have blind spots in our sanctifying process, and we need others to help humble us and point us back to God.

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Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro