Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Galatians 5:26 (NLT)
When a man is promoted to a higher position in his company, he is joyful because he feels honored to be promoted. He is proud to tell others about it and to expose his prowess that propelled him to this position. His intention can be good if he is just overwhelmed by the emotion of his promotion, just as it can be bad if he seeks to prove to others that he is better than them.
In the second case, we can say like Paul that this man seeks vain glory and, in his quest for glory, he provokes the anger of others because his attitude belittles them. Paul encourages us not to seek vain glory because what we are or do does not elevate us higher than others in the eyes of God. On the contrary, he makes us fall under the correction of the word of God which tells us that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.
Whatever privilege you have in life, do not think that it makes you better to the point of feeling elevated above others. The Bible tells us that we are nothing, it is God who exalts us in due time. If He has placed you in a different position, it is to glorify Himself through you. Be an example of wisdom and encouragement to others. Do not provoke them in your quest for glory, because you will end up envying those whom God has blessed more than you.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
Comments