Issue 1348 – Puffed Up – January 19, 2024

It has been interesting to watch all the small birds at the feeders over the past few cold days. Taking advantage of the insulating power of air, they have all been keeping their feathers puffed up.
The puffing makes them look far larger than they really are. Some of the sparrows look like little feather-covered softballs.

People can be puffed up as well, but when we are, it is neither necessary nor cute. Our egos can cause huge sin problems.
Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve felt that they could be like God. They were not content to be his uniquely loved and created beings. I’m not going to recap the story here; you know it (if you need a refresher read Genesis 1-3.) Throughout the course of Scripture, from the earliest pages of Genesis to the final chapters of John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ, we see pride being a major issue.
I don’t mean the simple and well-deserved appreciation for a job well done. I don’t believe there is anything wrong with that.
I am speaking of plain old nasty pride that causes us to think we are better than we are or better than others. That is bound to get us in trouble.
We live in a world that thrives on hype. We pump up children with false “self-images” by giving them trophies for everything. The media promotes stars and champions and encourages everyone to emulate them. If we can’t make it, we are encouraged to fake it.
We are encouraged to make our own reality. We tell children they can be whatever they want to be. I’m all for encouraging people, but we often give people false hope.
Not every child is gifted, beautiful, a genius, or talented in some extraordinary way. That doesn’t mean they are not special. God has created every child individually to His specifications and in His image.
There is nothing wrong with being ordinary. Let’s face it, most of us are ordinary; that is what sets the extraordinary apart. I am quite content to be just an average guy. That doesn’t mean that I don’t try to improve myself; we all need improvement in some areas. It does mean that I recognize there will always be someone smarter, richer, younger, better-looking, more athletic and more talented than I will be.
The Lord hates pride. It is at the root of most (perhaps even all sin). We think we know better than God or that we are exempt somehow from His rule and commands. Many people even deny God exists and replace him in their minds with a god of their own making. That got the people of Israel and Judah in a lot of trouble.
Here are a few of the Bible’s comments on pride.
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Proverbs 8:13
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” Psalm 10:4
The path of the believer is one of confident humility. Our confidence lies in the perfect love, power, grace and mercy of our Lord.
When you find yourself puffing up (and we all do, myself included), take a moment before the Lord and let it go. You are beloved in His eyes, and this is more than sufficient.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2024 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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