We can all be arrogant, so how can I cast mine off?
Arrogance can be defined as “unpleasantly behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than others.” There are times when each one of us can be arrogant or have arrogant thoughts.
The Pharisees were arrogant. They let their inflated opinions of themselves as well as their rules make it impossible for them to have genuine relationships with others.
Whenever we set ourselves higher than someone else, a neighbor, a co-worker, a classmate, another driver on the road, a shopper ahead of us in line, we become like social scribes or Pharisees, and any interaction or even thoughts are rooted in our pride, vanity, or personal righteousness. Arrogance causes the breakdown of relationship. How can we get over our prideful selves and just genuinely love others?
An antonym for Arrogance is Humility. Christ was all about entering into relationships…even with lepers, adulteresses and tax collectors as well as his oftentimes confused and dense disciples. If we are truly trying to be the best version of ourselves that God intends for us to be…. we need to focus all we do through our humility rather than our hubris.
“True humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.”
Rick Warren; The Purpose Driven Life. What am I here for?
Relationships begin with each one of us. Peace does not come from comparisons and nor does it come from everyone agreeing with one another on everything. True peace is possible only when people agree to live in harmony despite their differing viewpoints.
We are all the sum-total of our experiences and we all see things differently because of the unique way each of us is created. God love each one of us as if we are the only one.
If we are truly trying to be the best version of ourselves that God intends for us to be….and have a God-purpose driven life, we need to focus all we do through our humility rather than our hubris.
Pray for a life lived in humility and grace in the name of Jesus.
-Amy Righi