Beech Tree News Network

            Paul wrote the Romans and exhorted, “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3). Many end up losing their influence, their friends, and eventually lose their souls because they are puffed up with pride. Let us look at three people who thought too highly of themselves, and learn how we should not act.

             Luke 18:9-14 records Christ’s parable of the prayers of a Pharisee and a Publican who had come into the temple. This parable was intended to teach a lesson to, “certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Lk. 18:9).

             Jesus said the publican went to his house justified rather than the Publican (Lk. 18:14). How could this be? It was because the Pharisee’s prayer lacked humility! We need to be careful lest we fall into the same trap as the Pharisee (I Cor. 10:12)! Too many act as if they are above sin. They need to read Galatians 5:1-4, Hebrews 3:12, and other passages that show that Christians can sin. Let us not become so arrogant that we think we have not sinned (Prov. 6:17; I Pet. 5:5-6; I Jn. 1:8, 10)!

             The apostle Peter was tempted to think too highly of himself as well. When Peter was in Joppa, he saw a vision of a sheet-like object filled with all manner of animals and being lowered to him. He heard a voice saying, “Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.” Peter refused, and God told him, “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common” (Acts 10:11-15).

            Peter was haughty and refused to obey the Lord. When the Lord told him to do something, he said, “Not so, Lord” (Acts 10:13, 16). What an arrogant attitude to have!

            Thankfully, Peter repented of his attitude and became the first apostle to bring salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 10:28, 15:7). Let us also repent and humble ourselves before it is too late (I Pet. 5:5-6)!

             Many remember the parable of the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-32). However, let us focus on the elder brother. “And he (the eldest son, JJ) was angry, and …  said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment …. But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf” (Lk. 15:28-30).

            This brother had a very bad attitude. He was so full of himself that he refused to even acknowledge his brother as his brother! This brother acted “holier than thou.” He was a liar also. He had the gall to suggest that he had never transgressed his father’s law (Lk. 15:29; Rom. 3:23)!

            The elder brother was “looking down his nose” at his brother who was trying to make things right. Do you “look down your nose” at others? Beware!

             These examples are given to us by God to show us how not to act. These people had the wrong attitude toward God and His law. This is not to say we cannot be forgiven. We can be forgiven if we repent of what we have done (Acts 17:30). Peter was forgiven, and we can be forgiven (Acts 2:38)! Let us make sure we are not guilty of thinking too highly of ourselves!

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167 Our Gospel Meeting with Raymond Castillo is October 8-12. 7 PM Mon-Fri. Come see is then!