"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. A high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked is sin. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." Proverbs 21:2-5
I recall reading somewhere about when personalized license plates were introduced in Illinois. The Department of Motor Vehicles received over 1,000 requests for the "NUMBER 1." The creativity of personalized plates tells us some little thing about the owner of these vehicles. If you look at many of them while you're out there on the road, you will read something of "Vanity" or "Pride."
Nowhere is man's creativity more apparent than in his ability to discover new and original sin. It all began in the Garden of Eden when the devil convinced Adam and Eve that he had found a way for them to move God over and become "Number 1." And the beat goes on . . . .
. . . and we keep looking for ways to pick up where Adam and Eve left out. We look for ways to be first on everyone's priority list. We look for ways to be first in line at checkouts, banks, movie theaters, car washes ~ you name it! We even look for ways to be the first one's out of the parking lot after a big ball game! We look for ways in the game of "first come, first served." But these are mere symptoms of the real transgression. In the case of Christians, our creativity as original sinners is revealed most clearly when we look for ways to be known as disciples of Christ without following His example.
"We are Number 1! We are Number 1!" All well and good, perhaps, to hear the chant ringing out from football fans, but when we hear it ringing out from our hearts, it is all pride and imagination. Remember therefore, "He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts" (Luke 1:51). If you want to show pride, show others you have Jesus in your life ~ that is something to be proud of!
Have a wonderfully blessed day in the Lord!
Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |
